by Georgia Stewart

Created on: February 21, 2009

When the eyes are tired through environmental causes, or neglect of the health it is possible to obtain relief through home remedies, in sleeping enough and avoiding situations that will stress the eyes. In some cases there are more serious conditions in which disease occurs and it is wise to visit the optician or doctor.

Life-Style Causes:

Eyes may be strained through lack of sleep, overwork or other factors that occur from the stressful lives we lead today. Staring at a computer screen or television for too long can cause redness and may even damage the sight. Reading in poor light can overwork the eyes and should be avoided. If glasses are worn it's helpful to remove them at times.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of tired eyes are heaviness in the eyes, burning sensations, watering, irritation, redness, and dark rings. It can be painful for the eyes to remain open. Certain work environments contain fluorescent lighting and it is advisable to spend at least 20 minutes outside in direct sunlight, minus glasses, to rest and nourish the eyes. The sun provides vitamins and various other nutrients that are essential for the eyes as well as the general health. (Looking directly at the sun is obviously harmful).

Disease Symptoms:

Tired eyes may be due to disease causing factors such as bacterial infection of the eyelid margin, chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins, often caused by microbes or allergy, irritants such as smoke, dust, wind, cold or dry air, airborne antigens such as fungus spores, hay fever, animal dander, cosmetics, hair sprays or soaps. If the avoidance of irritants does not improve the condition seeing a Health Practitioner is advisable.

Natural Remedies:

There are a number of home remedies that can be utilised. For non-persistent overstraining and ache 2 teaspoons of Cider Vinegar in a glass of cold water. Cotton wool pads soaked in Distilled Extract Witch Hazel or freshly extracted Mint Juice may be applied to the eyes for 5-10 minutes. Slices of raw potato or a potato poultice. Moisten a Chamomile, Red Raspberry or Fennel teabag with cold water and apply it to the affected area. Slices of cucumber on the eyes are useful.

Saline eye drops and over the counter remedies:

Mildly saline (table salt) water can be used to sterilise and relieve eye strain and this can be purchased over the counter. Plain water is not recommended because it is less saline and has a different pH balance to the eyes, whereas saline drops have a pH that is balanced to the pH of human tears.

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