For many office workers, daily computer use is routine. Prolonged screen time gradually diminishes vision, making eye strain a common challenge. So how can we address it? Let's explore below:
Everyday habits that increase eye strain
1. During daily study or work, activities like reading, writing, watching TV, using computers, smartphones, gaming consoles, or iPads—especially in poor lighting, for extended periods, with poor posture, small or illegible text, inconsistent viewing distances, or while lying down or on bumpy rides—can all cause visual fatigue.
2. Individuals with myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, or other vision disorders that cause blurred vision require significant accommodative effort when focusing on distant or near objects, making them prone to eye strain.
3. Eyes begin to age after age 40. Failure to promptly obtain reading glasses to assist with accommodation can easily lead to eye fatigue.
4. Lack of exercise, poor nutrition, chronic insomnia, irregular lifestyle, excessive smoking and drinking, and neglecting eye hygiene can all contribute to eye strain.
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Eye Fatigue Relief
First, gentle massage can alleviate eye pressure, allowing the surrounding muscles to rest.For those who frequently engage in close-up work, take a 5-minute break every 1-2 hours by gently closing your eyes. Use your middle fingers to lightly press along the contours of your eyeballs, massaging gently. Next, warm your palms by rubbing them together until they feel warm.With eyes slightly closed, place your warm palms over your eyes using cupped hands. After about 3 minutes, remove your hands and slowly open your eyes. You'll immediately feel refreshed and clear-eyed. For acupressure and massage around the eyes: Begin above the eyes, moving your fingers slowly from the inner corner toward the outer corner. Use the pads of your thumbs to massage the temples, taking a deep breath with each pressure point.Next, place your middle finger at the outer corner of the eye and gently lift and massage outward. Finally, position your fingers beneath the eye, moving slowly from the outer corner toward the inner corner. Use the pads of your index and middle fingers (or middle and ring fingers) to press along the eyelid. Also pay attention to massaging the cheeks and brow area. First, use your middle and ring fingers to massage in small circles just above the brow bone, applying moderate pressure.Next, massage in circular motions above the cheekbones. Each step should take about 3 minutes total.
Finally, proceed with acupressure. Place the tip of your ring finger on your temple and gently press firmly 5 times. Then, with your eyes closed, place the tips of your ring and middle fingers on your upper eyelid. Starting from the inner corner of the eye, gently press toward the outer corner, repeating the motion 7-8 times to promote blood circulation.
Dietary Remedies for Eye Fatigue Relief
1. Black Bean and Walnut Milk Drink
Prepare black bean powder, a small amount of walnut kernels, and 500ml of pure milk.First roast the black beans until cooked, then let them cool and grind into powder. Roast the walnut kernels, remove the skins, and grind into powder after cooling. Take one tablespoon each of the two powders, mix into one cup of boiled milk, and add one tablespoon of honey. Consume daily in the morning or after breakfast, or enjoy with breakfast. This enhances kidney function, strengthens eye muscles, improves accommodation, and alleviates eye fatigue symptoms.
2. Goji Berry and Mulberry Porridge
Ingredients: 5g goji berries, 5g mulberries, 5g Chinese yam, 5 red dates, 100g japonica rice. Simmer all ingredients into porridge. For those with eye strain, consuming this twice daily (morning and evening) over an extended period can alleviate symptoms and strengthen overall constitution.
3. Chrysanthemum Tea
Chrysanthemum flowers offer exceptional efficacy in relieving eye fatigue. Beyond applying them topically to reduce puffiness, regularly drinking chrysanthemum tea can not only alleviate symptoms of eye strain but also aid in restoring vision.