Tired eyes result from prolonged screen use, reading, or insufficient sleep, causing dryness, irritation, and strain. Symptoms include redness, blurred vision, and discomfort. Resting the eyes, blinking more, using lubricating drops, and following the 20-20-20 rule can help. The “20-20-20 rule” for tired eyes means you should look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to help relax your eye muscles and reduce digital eye strain from prolonged screen time
Improved lighting and reducing screen time can also prevent eye fatigue.
NHS Information for Patients
The NHS provides useful information and advice, especially for dry eyes.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dry-eyes/
Causes of Tired Dry Eyes
You can get dry eyes if you do not make enough tears or your tears dry up quickly.
The NHS provides a helpful list of considerations likely to cause tired dry eyes. You may be more likely to get dry eyes if:
- you’re over the age of 50
- you wear contact lenses
- you look at computer screens for a long time without a break
- you spend time in air conditioned or heated environments
- it’s windy, dry or dusty
- you smoke (or spend time in smoky environments) or drink alcohol
- you take certain medicines (for example, some antidepressants or blood pressure medicines)
- you have a condition, such as blepharitis, Sjögren’s syndrome or lupus
Help at the Pharmacy
A pharmacy can typically provide over-the-counter dry eye treatments like artificial tears containing ingredients like sodium hyaluronate, hypromellose, or carmellose sodium, often sold as brands like Viscotears gel, Systane, Hylo-Tear, or Thealoz Duo, depending on the severity of your dry eyes; they may also recommend eyelid cleansing wipes or solutions for managing blepharitis, a common contributor to dry eye issues.