Is excessive screen time burning your eyes? Here are 10 home remedies for instant relief

In today's digital age, spending long hours in front of screens has become a common part of our daily routine, leading to discomfort and strain on the eyes. (Image: Canva)

In today's digital age, spending long hours in front of screens has become a common part of our daily routine, leading to discomfort and strain on the eyes. If you're experiencing burning, dryness, or fatigue due to excessive screen time, you're not alone. Fortunately, there are simple and effective tricks that can provide instant relief and soothe your tired eyes. From cooling compresses to natural eye drops, these remedies can help alleviate the strain and protect your vision, says Dr Rekha Narang, ENT head at ERS Global Healthcare, Surat.

Cold compress: Applying a cold compress can quickly soothe burning eyes. Simply soak a clean cloth in cold water, wring out the excess, and place it over your closed eyes for 5–10 minutes. This helps reduce inflammation and provides immediate relief.

Cucumber slices: Cucumber slices have natural cooling properties that can ease eye irritation. Place chilled cucumber slices over your eyes for 10–15 minutes to reduce puffiness and refresh tired eyes.

20-20-20 Rule: Follow the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eye strain. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This simple practice helps your eyes relax and prevents fatigue from prolonged screen time.

Blink more often: Blinking naturally moisturises the eyes and reduces dryness. Make a conscious effort to blink more frequently, especially when working on a screen, to keep your eyes hydrated and comfortable.

Stay hydrated: Dehydration can worsen eye strain and dryness. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and eyes well-hydrated, which helps reduce the burning sensation.

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Aloe vera gel: Aloe vera has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel around the eyes (avoiding direct contact with the eyes) to relieve discomfort and promote healing.

Warm compress: If your eyes feel dry and tired, a warm compress can stimulate tear production and relieve discomfort. Use a clean cloth soaked in warm water and place it over your eyes for 5–10 minutes.

Artificial tears: Over-the-counter artificial tears can provide immediate moisture to dry eyes. Use them as needed to relieve burning and maintain eye lubrication, especially during prolonged screen use.

Eye massage: Gently massaging the area around your eyes can increase blood circulation and alleviate strain. Use your fingertips to massage in circular motions for a few minutes, focussing on the temples and the area under the eyes.

Reduce screen brightness: Lowering the brightness of your screen can help reduce eye strain. Adjust the brightness to a comfortable level, and consider using blue light filters or night mode to minimise the impact of screen light on your eyes.