Last updated on July 27th, 2022 at 03:06 pm

Whether you’re texting a friend, streaming a show, or sitting at your desk, your eyeballs are hard at work. It’s common for them to feel sore and tired after intense use, especially when staring at a bright screen. This is known as computer eyestrain or digital eyestrain. According to the American Optometric Association, as many as 90% of computer users suffer from this kind of eye irritation. And if you’re reading this, you probably know what it feels like.

Symptoms of Eyestrain

Any activity which involves extended focus can cause eye fatigue, including looking at digital device screens, driving, or reading for long periods. Poor lighting and artificial lights can tire out your eyes, too. Be on the lookout for signs and symptoms that include:

• Sore, burning, or itchy eyes
• Dry or watery eyes
• Headache
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurry vision

Although annoying, eyestrain isn’t a serious condition. Fortunately, the following natural remedies can help you refresh and revive tired eyes.

Cold compress

A cold compress can bring instant cooling relief to sore, itchy, or burning eyes. All you need to do is run a clean washcloth under cold water and place it over your eyes and forehead. Use the cold compress as often as you need to manage discomfort.

Eye pillows

A weighted eye pillow can ease headaches, tension, and eyestrain, especially when they contain relaxing herbs like lavender or chamomile. Our friends at Yoga Journal have step-by-step directions on how you can easily make your own.

Homeopathic medicines

As with all types of muscular strains, Ruta graveolens is the single medicine of choice for relieving the small strained ligaments of eyes.* Dissolve 5 pellets of the 6C dilution every 2 hours or when needed. You can use Ruta alongside Optique 1 eye drops for soothing relief of red, dry, itchy, gritty, burning or tired eyes.*

Supplements

Bilberry has been traditionally used to treat eye conditions, including eyestrain and fatigue. This fruit is high in bioflavonoids called anthocyanins that support healthy vision. It’s often paired with a vitamin called Lutein. Lutein is naturally found in the human eye, as well as in certain foods like carrots. As a supplement, it may help to protect and maintain healthy eye tissue.

For a more customized approach to eye care and related conditions, be sure to use Boiron’s Homeopathic Medicine Finder. This free app can help match your symptoms to the right medicine in three clicks or less!

*Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.