Do your eyes feel heavy, dry or tired by the end of the day? Perhaps you find yourself rubbing them, getting headaches or struggling to concentrate on a screen.
There are several possible causes, from long hours spent on digital devices to dry eyes. But have you considered whether your glasses could be playing a part?
If your prescription or lenses aren't quite right for your eyes and lifestyle, seeing comfortably can become more difficult than it needs to be.
Why do our eyes get tired?
Our eyes work hard throughout the day, particularly when we're reading, driving or focusing on screens for long periods.
When we concentrate on a screen, we tend to blink less frequently, which can contribute to dry, uncomfortable eyes. Glare, poor lighting and prolonged close-up work can also cause visual discomfort.
Sometimes, an outdated or unsuitable prescription may contribute to the problem too.
Could your glasses be the problem?
If your glasses aren't quite right, you might notice:
Headaches after reading or using a computer
Blurred vision or difficulty focusing
Squinting to see clearly
Tired or aching eyes
Difficulty switching focus between near and distant objects
These symptoms can have various causes, so they don't automatically mean you need a new prescription. However, if they happen regularly, it's worth having your eyes checked.
Is one pair of glasses enough?
We use our eyes for all sorts of activities throughout the day, from reading emails and working at a computer to driving and watching television.
Your everyday glasses might not be the most comfortable option for every task. Depending on your prescription and visual needs, different lenses could help.
For example, occupational or computer lenses are designed for working distances, reading glasses help with close-up tasks, and varifocals provide vision at multiple distances in one pair.
An optician can help you find the most suitable option for your lifestyle.
What about blue-light glasses?
Blue-light glasses are often promoted as a solution for screen-related eye strain, but evidence that blue-light filtering lenses relieve eye strain is limited.
Discomfort from screen use can have several causes, including reduced blinking, prolonged focusing, glare and an unsuitable prescription. Taking regular breaks and making sure your glasses are right for you may be more helpful.
Simple ways to reduce tired eyes
Alongside wearing suitable glasses, a few small changes can help:
Take regular breaks: Try the 20-20-20 rule - every 20 minutes, look at something around 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Remember to blink: This can help keep your eyes comfortable when using screens.
Adjust your workspace: Reduce glare, ensure good lighting and keep your screen at a comfortable distance.
Make text easier to read: Increase the font size rather than straining to see small print.
Give your eyes the attention they deserve
If your eyes regularly feel tired, strained or uncomfortable, don't simply put it down to a busy day.
An eye examination can assess your vision and eye health, help identify whether your prescription is suitable, and give you the opportunity to discuss any difficulties you're experiencing.
At Eyelines Opticians in Sevenoaks, we're here to help you find eyewear that suits your eyes, your lifestyle and the way you use your vision every day.
Because your glasses shouldn't just help you see clearly - they should help you see comfortably, too.
If it's been a while since your last eye examination, or your current glasses don't feel quite right, why not speak to your optician?