5 ways to avoid tired-looking eyes

Getting enough rest and making a few simple adjustments to how you work can help you avoid eye fatigue and tired looking eyes.

We've all had the experience of walking into work and having someone say that we look tired. While not usually meant to be an insult, we often take offence because nobody wants to look like they're not at their best, ready to get to work. But having tired eyes is a natural symptom of being tired. So why do you look so tired?

Generally speaking, the reason we look tired is because we are. While you can get tired-looking eyes from getting too much sleep, few of us have that luxury, and the more likely option is that we've spent too long in front of screens and digital devices, straining our eyes while concentrating on work or any number of digital pastimes.

First of all, you need to determine whether you have puffy eyes due to an allergic reaction. Anyone with allergies knows the itchy eyes that can come during ragweed or pollen season, and some people react to dust and animal dander. If you suspect your tired-looking eyes might be from an allergic reaction but cannot determine the source, you should book an appointment with your doctor to do some tests.

For simple eye fatigue, you should do the following:

Simply stated, nothing helps you avoid eye fatigue more than resting your eyes.

If you're spending a lot of time in front of your computer, tablet or phone, take frequent breaks to refresh your eyes (and your mind). A few minutes every hour can help you feel more focused and actually work longer with less fatigue.

Keep your computer monitor out of the glare of direct sunlight, and keep it at least 20 inches away from your eyes. Clean off dust and fingerprints, to ensure that your eyes do not have to work too hard to see the screen.

Dim the lights: Again, if your eyes have to work, they'll feel fatigued, so reduce the lighting to reduce glare, and monitor yourself to see if you're squinting at your screen. If you are, experiment with the lights to get a comfortable level.

When you get home, do not immediately jump on to the computer or click on the TV. Spending a few minutes not concentrating on a screen will help your eyes adjust to the times when you are.

Reducing eye fatigue is the easiest way to ensure your eyes feel comfortable. By following a few simple tips to help you avoid tired-looking eyes, you'll be able to feel more refreshed and look like you are, too.