The best things in life are for free, and so is your eyesight. It is one of the most important things which helps a human being live the present and visualize the future.
Your eyes are a treasure that helps you look around the laughter, love, and loyalty. From playing video games to reading mysterious novels, they are constantly at your service.
However, there comes a time when, due to prolonged exposure to the light coming from the screens, your eyes get tired. The flashy bright light of phones and reading small font of the textbooks in dim light, all-cause eye strain. In the end, either your eyes get irritated, or you have a severe headache. Watery eyes, blurred vision, burning, and itching sensation are all due to eye fatigue.
What Is Digital Eye Strain?
Digital eye strain, also known as Computer Vision Syndrome, is a term used for eye strain or eye fatigue symptoms which are a result of prolonged screen time. Whenever a person uses a digital screen, the eyes have to work harder as sometimes the letters are not clear, and the reflections make the viewing difficult.
All the symptoms are a result of:
- Improper posture
- Dim lights
- Previously poor vision
- Glare and reflections on the screen
- Defective clarity
- Using screen from a shorter distance
Researchers have come up with a 20-20-20 rule to reduce the problems that may arise from the use of digital devices. It suggests that a person, when looking at a screen, should view something 20 feet away after every 20 minutes for 20 seconds to give their eye a break.
Top 12 Natural Remedies For Eye Fatigue And Eye Health
Luckily enough, we have been blessed with oodles of herbs and supplements from Mother Nature. They all are easily available and serve to improve your eye’s health but also help in fighting and preventing symptoms of eye fatigue. Some of the best options have been mentioned down below.
1. Golden Saffron
It contains two of the naturally occurring carotenoids, crocin, and crocetin which have proved to be potentially therapeutic for ocular disease and eye fatigue.
Saffron is a naturally occurring antioxidant that has exceptional anti-inflammatory properties. It not only protects your vision cells but also reverses the process of degeneration.
Golden saffron is readily available in your kitchens and helps treat glaucoma and cataract formation with absolutely zero side effects.
2. Vitamin C
Ascorbic acid, commonly known as Vitamin C, has been the talk of the town because of its amazing benefits in eye health. It prevents symptoms associated with eye fatigue and helps improve visual acuity.
It contains antioxidizing properties, which protect your eyes from the damage that might be caused by free radicals.
3. Zinc
Zinc is a trace mineral that is indirectly responsible for the protection of the eyes. It transports Vitamin A from the liver to the retina, where it produces melanin, a protective pigment of the eyes.
Zinc is also present in the retina naturally and prevents age-related vision loss and problems associated with eye fatigue.
It acts as an antioxidant that prevents the damage of vision cells and is highly recommended to be taken along with copper supplements.
4. Vitamin A
Vitamin A, also known as Retinol, has an essential role in improving vision and protecting eyes from flashy light. It is a part of a naturally occurring component in the eyes, Rhodopsin, that allows a person to see in dim lights.
It boosts the immune system and prevents irritation and inflammation of the eyes, along with improving vision.
A study suggested that vitamin A helps in treating people with dry eyes by improving the quality of tears.
5. Leutin & Zeaxanthin
Carotenoids are the pigments that naturally occur in your retina. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are two of those. It prevents macular degeneration, which might lead to blindness and vision loss.
Moreover, the pigments help absorb the UV and high-energy blue lights from your digital screen that are potentially harmful to your eye’s health and result in eye fatigue.
Researches suggest the supplementation of Lutein and Zeaxanthin helps improve vision in teen-agers.
6. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds are a part of traditional philter for a long time. People have been consuming fennel seeds as it improves vision and prevents age-related ocular changes.
In the case of watery eyes, it is quite beneficial to wash your eyes with fennel seeds water as it has anti-inflammatory properties and helps fight eye irritation. It reduces pain and irritation collectively.
Along with ocular hypotensive activity, fennel seeds possess many other qualities that contribute to their goodness.
7. Passion Flower
Passionflower extract is something you will be recommended whenever you talk to someone about eye fatigue or eye strain. It is a great herb in terms of its soothing and healing properties.
The extract has the potential ability to improve blood flow and relax the blood vessels of your eyes. Furthermore, it relaxes the nerve, which relieves pain and treats irritation of the eyes. Passion flower improves double and blurred vision that might be caused due to prolonged exposure to digital devices.
8. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is recommended to be applied over the eyes to reduce redness and swelling. The naturally soothing and cooling effect of aloe vera gel reduces inflammation and irritation.
It also helps treat baggy under eyes and puffiness by improving the blood circulation to the area around the eyes. The antioxidizing effect helps treat dry eyes.
Till now, the effectiveness of aloe vera in treating alkali- burned cornea of the rabbit has been studied, and it gave promising results.
9. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is a polyphenol that fights against oxidative and inflammatory injury of the eye caused as a result of eye fatigue. It has been in use since old times for treating eye pain and improving blood flow to the eye.
It protects the nerves of the eye, thus preventing degeneration of the lens. Ginkgo Biloba has potential benefits towards the retina’s light-sensitive area and preserves it against the damage caused by harmful radiations.
10. Green Tea
Green tea is an assortment of antioxidizing, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and immune-boosting properties. It contains gallocatechin, a flavonoid compound that protects the eye against the effects of blue lights.
Soaking a cotton pad in green tea and applying it over the eyes helps in reducing dark circles and puffiness caused by eye fatigue.
A trial study proved the effectiveness of green tea in treating dry eyes and dysfunction of tear glands.
11. Turmeric
Turmeric is easily found in every household and is quite popular in Asian countries. It has been in use for its antiseptic and healing qualities. The primary compound of turmeric, curcumin, has extra-ordinary effects against oxidative and inflammatory conditions.
It protects against conditions that might damage the optic nerves, thus preventing vision loss.
Turmeric has shown therapeutic benefits in treating eye disorders, including those which are associated with eye fatigue.
12. Bilberry
Bilberry contains anthocyanins which are antioxidizing flavonoids. The anthocyanins help the eye in adjusting to different levels of light and have a clear vision. It improves the blood flow in the micro-vessels of the eye.
Bilberry was widely used during World War II to improve night vision and treat dry, itchy eyes due to eye strain.
Studies showed how Bilberry has loads of health benefits and is of great value in the pharmaceutical industries now.
Best Supplements For Eye Fatigue And Eye Health
Various supplements are available worldwide, but two of the best are”
1. Golden Saffron Extract
This 100% pure extract of Golden Saffron contains high values of carotenoids that not only protect your eyes against age-related disorders but also protect your lens. It improves eyesight by delaying the process of macular degeneration that might be due to increased use of electronic screens. The extract has a protective role on the vision cells in the retina.
Moreover, the pure Saffron extract boosts your immune system and prevents inflammatory conditions like watery eyes and irritation. It also helps in weight loss by improving satiety and makes you feel happy and relaxed.
When the Crocus stevia plant extract is combined with a healthy diet and a fit lifestyle which includes decreased exposure to screens and dim light, you feel a noticeable difference.
The caffeine-free and 100% vegetarian extract improves and prevents symptoms of eye fatigue and eye strain.
The FDA-approved dietary supplement contains NO artificial preservatives, chemicals, and color additives.
2. Provision Complex
Pro vision complex is a mixture of different essential vitamins and minerals required for a healthy eye and good eyesight. It is enriched with the beneficial effects of Leutin, Zinc, Vitamin A/C, Bilberry, and many other components.
The complex helps in maintaining healthy eye functioning and promoting optimal vision. It is protective against age-related disorders of the eye, like inflammation of the retina and cataract formation.
Pro vision complex contains highly antioxidizing ingredients and anti-inflammatory, reducing eye fatigue and irritation. It lessens eye pain, redness, and swelling associated with vision in dim light.
The supplement is 100% natural and free of all artificial colors, additives, and gluten. It does not contain milk, wheat, or soy and is entirely vegetarian.
Preventive Measures Against Eye Fatigue And Eye Strain
Other than the natural herbs and supplements, a person needs to take some preventive measures to avoid or reduce the risk of having eye fatigue. Some of the most straightforward steps that can be easily taken and are as follows.
1. Sunning
One of the easiest ways to keep your eyes healthy is to take enough sunlight during the day as it increases dopamine release that helps maintain the retina’s development.
You do not have to stare at the sunlight directly. Just stand in an open place and let the sunlight fall onto your eyelids.
2. Eye Massage And Exercise
To relieve eye strain, warm up your fingers and then move them on your eyelids in a circular motion. Do this for 30 seconds at least 3-5 times a day, especially when you are viewing a screen. This helps you relax and increase blood flow to your eyes. Also, it stimulates the tear glands preventing dry eyes.
3. Warm Compress
Dip a piece of cloth or cotton in warm water and place it onto your eyes for a minute. Try to relax and let the warmth absorb into your eyes. This method won’t only calm you down but also relax your eye muscle and reduce eye fatigue.
4. Screen Protection
To prevent exposure to blue and UV lights for long hours while using a screen, it is important for you to use a filter that reduces the direct radiations falling into your lens.
5. Air Quality
Eye fatigue is also caused by allergens and dust particles in the air. Thus, it is necessary to maintain the air around. You may use a humidifier, ventilator or avoid spending time in smoke.
6. Eyewear
In case you have low vision or use a contact lens, you should have a checkup every six months to monitor your eyes. You may also get contact lenses or spectacles with a blue light filter to protect your eyes from further damage.
7. Blink Often
While viewing electronic screens or reading a novel for a long time, your eyes tend to get dry and lose moisture. You should take a 30-second break and blink your eyes for the tears to refresh and moisten your eyes.
Bottomline
Our eyes are at constant work, but they are not designed by nature for viewing television and laptop screens for long. Exposure to blue lights makes them tired and might also speed up the process of lens degeneration. You might even end up losing your vision as the health of the eyes deteriorates.
Hence, they require care and home remedies to prevent eye fatigue. All the natural herbs and supplements mentioned above are carefully studied and can help to ease out the strain on your eyes. However, if you have a persistent headache or blurred vision, consult your doctor for an eye checkup.
References:
- Sheppard, Amy L, and James S Wolffsohn. “Digital eye strain: prevalence, measurement and amelioration.” BMJ open ophthalmology vol. 3,1 e000146. 16 Apr. 2018,
- Rasmussen, Helen M, and Elizabeth J Johnson. “Nutrients for the aging eye.” Clinical interventions in aging vol. 8 (2013): 741-8.
- Eye-Relaxing Tips: Simple but Effective Home Remedies to Relieve Eye Strain, www.nanyang.com.sg/blog/eye-relaxing-tips-simple-but-effective-home-remedies-to-relieve-eye-strain.
- “Everything You Need to Know on Herbs and Eye Health.” Sightsavers India, 26 Feb. 2019, www.sightsaversindia.in/blogs/2016/06/everything-need-know-herbs-eye-health/.
