EYESTRAIN AND DRY EYES

Bat your eyelids. Your eyelids are like windshield wipers. Every time you blink they spread a soothing layer of lubrication across the surfaces of the eyes. When your eyes are getting tired, blinking them several times will give quick relief. As a bonus, blinking helps remove dust or grift from the eyes before it causes irritation.

Cover your eyes. To soothe the eyes, do what some professional massage therapists do: Rub your hands together to warm them up, then place the heels of your palms over your eyes for a few seconds. The warmth from your hands will quickly penetrate into the eyes, making them feel rested and relaxed.

Give nature a hand. When your eyes are unusually dry, put in a few drops of artificial tears. Sold in pharmacies, these “re-wetting drops” will help remove debris while providing soothing relief. You can use artificial tears whenever your eyes are feeling dry and tired.

              **************************************************************

                                                WHEN TO SEE THE DOCTOR

                  If your eyes are dry and sore, and you have other symptoms like a dry

              mouth, you should call your doctor right away. There are a number of  

              illnesses, including arthritis and lupus, that can cause the eyes to get tired  

              and irritated. Don’t assume that dry eyes are “merely” on eye problem. There 

              may be something else going on as well.

             **************************************************************

Keep them cool. Many people have found that putting slices of cool cucumber over the eyes can be very soothing. Or you can simply cover your eyes with a cool compress. Wet a towel in cool water, wring it out, and place it over your eyes for about five minutes.

Give your eyes a break. Most eyestrain is caused by overuse-from staring at the computer screen, for example, or driving long distances. Doctors recommend taking a “vision break” once an hour or so. You don’t have to stop what you’re doing-just focus on something else for a few minutes, preferably something in the distance. Then close your eyes and relax for a moment. Simply resting your eyes now and then will make a big difference in stopping strain and soreness.