Anything that requires us to use our eyes intensely causes eye fatigue.
Eye fatigue is mainly caused by staring at screens or being in an air-conditioned space for a long time; reading in dim light or not pausing to rest the eyes, or driving long distances which require immense concentration on the road.
Some symptoms of eye fatigue are:
– dry or watery eyes,
– burning or itchy eyes,
– sensitivity to light,
– difficulty in concentration
– feeling like keeping your eyes closed
– headache.
The use of digital devices and computers strains the eyes more than reading printed material mainly because we tend to blink less while using computers, and blinking is the key to moistening the eyes. We also use screens that are less than the ideal distances or angles, such as while lying in the bed or at awkward angles on sofas and other places.
So how can we avoid this fatigue? Since we can’t really escape from the long and constant use of our digital devices, it’s best to incorporate these simple tips into your daily lifestyles.
Cool water wash. Along with washing your face in the morning, fill your mouth with water and splash cool water into your open eyes. Make sure you don’t swallow or spit out the water while doing so.
This has a double cooling effect on your eyes, both from the outside and the oral cavity.
Gaze at a ghee lamp. The traditional Ayurvedic way to strengthen and soothe the eyes is to gaze at the flame of a ghee or clarified butter lamp. Set the lamp at a distance of two or three feet away from you. If you wear glasses, remove them and gaze at the flame for two or three minutes without blinking.
This will improve the tejas or lustrous quality of your eyes.
Other ways to reduce eye fatigue are to take regular breaks from your screen by closing your eyes every half an hour or so; ensure that there is adequate light in the room when you’re reading or on the computer or watching TV so that you don’t have to strain your eyes to see, and make an effort to blink your eyes every few minutes. Of course, getting enough sleep is also a great way to get rid of or reduce your eye fatigue.
Here are some very effective eye exercises to improve circulation around your eye muscles and overall eye health.
Hold out your arm stretched in front of you with your index finger pointed up. Look at the tip of your index finger and gradually start bringing the finger close to you. Follow it with your eyes until it touches your third eye between your eyebrows.
Another exercise is to look at the tip of your nose and then up toward your third eye.
Finally, close your eyes tightly and release them three or four times.
A note of caution here, if your symptoms persist, please visit an ophthalmologist to get your eyes checked.
