How to relax tired eyes

Ever get to the end of the day and feel like your eyes have pulled a double shift? Maybe all those back-to-back Zoom calls have you bleary eyed. Maybe logging a few hours of video games after work has your mind alert and your eyelids heavy. Or maybe you wake up wondering why your eyes already feel exhausted before the day has even started. 

If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. Tired eyes (sometimes called eye strain or eye fatigue) are one of the most common complaints among office workers, students, contact lens wearers, and anyone who spends a lot of time looking at screens. 

The good news is that eye strain is usually temporary and can often be improved with a few simple habits and at-home remedies. Here's what causes tired eyes, how to relax them, and when it's time to make an appointment with an eye doctor. 

What causes tired eyes? 

For many people, eye fatigue isn't caused by one thing. It's usually a combination of daily habits or eye conditions that slowly add up throughout the day. 

Your eyes contain muscles that constantly adjust focus as you switch between different distances. When those muscles spend hours focused on a single distance, they can become fatigued. 

At the same time, people naturally blink less when concentrating on screens. Less blinking means less moisture, which can leave your eyes feeling dry, irritated, and heavy. 

Some of the most common causes for tired, heavy eyes include: 

• Extended screen time 

• Reading for long periods 

• Dry eye 

• Wearing an outdated glasses or contact lens prescription 

• Lack of sleep 

• Poor lighting 

• Driving for long distances 

• Allergies 

• Dehydration 

• Contact lens discomfort

Why does one eye feel heavy? 

A heavy-feeling eye is often caused by routine eye strain, but sometimes it can point to something else. 

Common reasons include: 

• Dry eye 

• Allergies 

• Eye strain from screens 

• Fatigue 

• Contact lens irritation 

If only one eye feels consistently heavy, painful, or noticeably different from the other, it's a good idea to schedule an eye exam. One-sided symptoms are less likely to be caused by everyday eye strain alone. 

How to get rid of tired eyes 

Most cases of eye fatigue improve with a combination of rest, hydration, and changes to your daily routine. 

Follow the 20-20-20 rule 

The 20-20-20 rule is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce digital eye strain. 

Every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. 

This gives your focusing muscles a chance to relax and helps break up long periods of close-up work. 

Blink more often 

When people stare at screens, blinking frequency drops significantly. 

Make a conscious effort to blink fully and regularly throughout the day. This helps spread tears across the eye surface and keeps your eyes comfortable. 

Use lubricating eye drops 

Looking to get rid of tired eyes fast? Eye drops may provide a faster fix while you’re still integrating the 20-20-20 rule into your workflow. 

Artificial tears are one of the quickest ways to relieve dryness-related eye fatigue. They work by restoring moisture, reducing irritation, and improving comfort during screen use. 

Look for lubricating ingredients such as: 

• Hyaluronic acid 

• Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) 

• Glycerin 

Avoid relying on redness-relief drops as a long-term solution. They may temporarily reduce redness but don't address the underlying cause of eye fatigue. 

If you wear contact lenses, always check the box to ensure the drops are specifically approved for contact lens use.  

Step away from your screen 

A true screen break can make a surprising difference. 

Even 10 minutes away from computers, phones, tablets, and TVs can give your eyes a chance to relax and refocus. 

Get some fresh air 

Spending time outdoors naturally encourages your eyes to focus at different distances, which can help relieve the constant near-focus demands of digital devices. 

How to relax tired eyes at home 

If you’ve tried taking screen breaks and still feel eye fatigue, these remedies force you to fully close your eyes. Don’t be surprised if your eyes aren’t the only part of you that feels relaxed. 

Make a warm compress 

Warm compresses are simple, comforting, and effective. 

To make one: 

1. Soak a clean washcloth in warm water. 

2. Wring out excess water. 

3. Place it over your closed eyes for several minutes. 

Many people find this especially relaxing after a long workday. 

Try palming  

For an eye strain solution on the go, palming is a technique that’s like a portable warm compress.  

Rub your hands together until they feel warm. Place your palms gently over your closed eyes without applying pressure. Sit quietly for one to two minutes and let your eyes rest. 

Use a cold compress or chilled eye mask 

Cold therapy can help reduce puffiness and provide a refreshing sensation when your eyes feel heavy or irritated. 

You can use: 

• A cool washcloth 

• A refrigerated eye mask 

• A chilled gel eye mask 

Avoid placing ice directly against your skin. Wrap any cold pack in a soft cloth before applying it to your closed eyes. 

Rest your eyes completely 

Sometimes the best remedy is the simplest one. 

Close your eyes for a few minutes, sit somewhere quiet, and give your visual system a chance to fully relax. 

Eye exercises for tired eyes 

Eye exercises won't cure eye strain, but they can help relieve focusing fatigue and muscle tension. 

Focus shifting 

1. Hold a finger several inches from your face. 

2. Focus on your finger. 

3. Shift your focus to an object across the room. 

4. Alternate between near and far several times. 

This encourages your focusing muscles to relax and refocus naturally. 

Eye rolls 

Before you roll your eyes at us, this isn’t that kind of eye rolling. This technique can help reduce tension around the eyes after prolonged computer work or screen time. 

All you have to do is close your eyes and slowly roll them in circles for several seconds in each direction.  

Is it okay to rub tired eyes? 

It's tempting, but it's generally not a great idea. 

Rubbing your eyes can: 

• Increase irritation 

• Worsen redness 

• Transfer bacteria to the eye 

• Damage contact lenses 

• Aggravate allergies 

If your eyes feel tired or itchy, try artificial tears, a cold compress, or simply taking a break instead. 

How to prevent recurring eye fatigue 

Preventing eye strain is usually easier than treating it. 

Helpful habits include: 

• Following the 20-20-20 rule 

• Getting enough sleep 

• Staying hydrated 

• Keeping your prescription up to date 

• Reducing screen glare 

• Taking frequent breaks 

• Wearing contacts according to their replacement schedule 

• Using proper lighting while reading or working 

Small adjustments can make a noticeable difference over time. 

Will tired eyes go away? 

Eye fatigue caused by temporary strain, screen use, reading, or lack of sleep usually improves once your eyes have a chance to recover. 

If your eye soreness doesn’t go away with healthy eye habits and rest, it might be a sign of something more serious.  

Dry eye disease, allergies, or another eye condition may need specific treatments. An eye doctor can help determine the best solution if symptoms continue returning. 

When should you see an eye doctor? 

Schedule an eye exam with your normal eye doctor if you experience: 

• Frequent eye strain 

• Ongoing dryness 

• Blurry vision 

• Difficulty focusing 

• Recurring headaches 

• Persistent soreness 

If your frequent eye strain actually feels more like eye pain, there might be something more serious going on. Seek medical attention right away if you experience severe eye pain, major swelling, light sensitivity, or significant redness. 

Give your eyes the break they deserve 

Most tired eyes are a result of modern habits: too much screen time, not enough blinking, and not enough breaks. 

Fortunately, relief is often straightforward. Following the 20-20-20 rule, staying hydrated, using artificial tears when needed, and giving your eyes regular breaks can make a big difference. 

If your eyes feel tired occasionally, a little rest may be all they need. If they feel tired all the time, an eye exam can help uncover the cause and get you back to seeing comfortably. 

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Original publish date: 11/23/2021

Updated date: 8/27/2026