Managing Late-Summer Eye Strain and Fatigue: Tips for Trooper Professionals, Parents, and Students

The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that eye fatigue and strain are common conditions. Hot weather and excessive vision use can aggravate them. Mild vision issues, dry eyes, and headaches are common symptoms. Busy students, professionals, and parents often develop eye strain and fatigue during the late summer weeks. If you want to manage your symptoms, here are some tips for doing so.

Apply Cold

Tired eyes sting because of tissue swelling. Placing a cold compress on the tired eyes can relieve inflammation. It relaxes the eyes. Wet a washcloth with cold water and apply it on your eyes for about three to five minutes as you lie comfortably.

Get Restful Sleep

Relaxing and resting can relieve fatigued eyes. Enough hours of sleep allow your eyes to recover. At least seven hours of restful sleep is necessary. Maintaining it can help keep your vision comfortable and clear. It can also ensure eye health.

Use a Humidifier

Cold air can dry your eyes. Placing a humidifier in your room can moisturize your eyes while you sleep. That way, your eyes feel better during your waking hours.

Practice the 20-20-20 System

Tasks involving gadgets can cause eye strain. Taking frequent breaks can help your eyes recover. Do so every 20 minutes by focusing on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Reduce Screen Glare and Check Your Prescription

Long hours of computer work can lead to eye fatigue. Reduce glare from windows and overhead lighting, and adjust your screen brightness for comfortable viewing. If eye strain persists, schedule an eye exam to check whether your prescription or screen-viewing setup needs adjustment.

Hydrate Well

Studies show that dehydration lowers tear production. It then leads to irritated and dry eyes. Late summer can still be warm enough for you to turn on the air conditioning. Doing so can then dry your eyes. Administer artificial tears or lubricating eye drops whenever you feel your eyes are becoming dry. Drinking eight to ten glasses of water each day helps increase tear production. Blinking more frequently in front of the screen also encourages tear production.

Wear Protective Eyewear While Swimming

Summer is the season to be in and around water. Bacteria are often present in natural bodies of water. These pathogens can cause eye infections, such as conjunctivitis. Chlorine in pools can also irritate the eyes. Refrain from wearing contact lenses when swimming. Wear your swimming or prescription goggles instead.

Keep Your Hands Away from Your Eyes

Late summer can still bring forth allergens, debris, and sweat. These substances can enter the eyes and irritate them. Rubbing your eyes can worsen the situation. Use a sterile wet wipe or wash your face. See your provider if you need anti-allergy eye drops.

Shield Your Eyes More

Your UV-protective sunglasses will need help protecting your eyes from intense sunlight. Wear a wide-brimmed hat. This type of hat can protect your eyes from the top and sides. It can also help prevent sunburned eyes or photokeratitis.

Eye fatigue and strain can happen more frequently in the summer. Burrell Family Eyecare can help ensure your eye health during the hot months. Feel free to drop by our clinic in Trooper, Pennsylvania, for an in-person meeting. You can also call us at 610-631-1142 if you want to inquire about our eye strain treatments or schedule an appointment.