How I Reduced My Eye Strain and Headaches From Staring at a Screen All Day

How I Reduced My Eye Strain and Headaches From Staring at a Screen All Day

My Eyes Were Getting a “Workout” They Didn’t Want

As a graphic designer, I stare at a computer screen for eight hours a day. By 3 PM, I would have a tension headache, and my eyes would feel gritty and tired. I thought it was normal. My optometrist told me my eyes were getting a workout they weren’t designed for. He gave me two simple tips. First, the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Second, he told me to make a conscious effort to blink more often, as we blink less when we stare at screens. These two free habits have completely eliminated my daily headaches.

The 3 Eye Exercises I Do Daily to Keep My Vision Sharp

A Mini-Workout for My Ocular Muscles

My grandfather, who had sharp vision well into his nineties, taught me three simple eye exercises he did every day. 1) The “Figure Eight”: He would trace a large, imaginary figure eight with his eyes for one minute without moving his head. 2) The “Focus Shift”: He would hold a pencil close to his face, focus on it, and then shift his focus to a distant object. 3) “Palming”: He would rub his hands together to warm them and then gently cup them over his closed eyes for 30 seconds to relax them. It’s a simple, daily workout for the tiny muscles that control my eyes.

The Best Diet for Your Eyes: Fighting Macular Degeneration with Food

I’m Eating to Protect My Future Sight

My grandmother was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss. My doctor told me that a diet rich in specific nutrients can help protect against it. The key is to eat a “rainbow” of colorful fruits and vegetables. Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale are packed with lutein and zeaxanthin. Orange and yellow foods like carrots and bell peppers are full of beta-carotene. And fatty fish like salmon provides DHA, a crucial fat for retinal health. I’m not just eating for my body; I’m eating for my eyesight.

I Tried “Blue Light Blocking” Glasses for a Month. Did They Work?

The “Sleep Hack” That Helped My Insomnia

I was skeptical about blue light blocking glasses. I thought they were a gimmick. But I was struggling with insomnia and was desperate. I bought a pair with orange-tinted lenses for about $30 and started wearing them for two hours before bed, while I was watching TV or scrolling on my phone. The verdict? They actually worked. I felt noticeably sleepier and was able to fall asleep faster. They work by blocking the specific wavelength of blue light that can suppress your body’s natural production of the sleep hormone, melatonin. They are now a non-negotiable part of my evening routine.

The #1 Mistake You’re Making With Your Contact Lenses

I Was Sleeping in My “Monthly” Lenses

I was a lazy contact lens wearer in my twenties. I would often sleep in my monthly lenses, thinking it was no big deal. I ended up with a painful corneal ulcer that almost cost me my vision in one eye. My ophthalmologist told me this is the number one mistake young people make. Sleeping in your contacts deprives your cornea of oxygen, which can create a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria. It was a terrifying wake-up call. Now, I am absolutely religious about taking my contacts out every single night.

The Ultimate Guide to Finding an Eye Cream That Actually Reduces Puffiness

The Secret Is in the Ingredients (And the Temperature)

I was tired of my puffy, morning under-eyes. I asked a dermatologist for the secret to a good eye cream. She said to look for two key ingredients. First, caffeine, which is a vasoconstrictor that can help to temporarily tighten the skin and reduce swelling. Second, antioxidants like vitamin C to protect the delicate skin. But her best tip was simple: keep your eye cream in the refrigerator. The cold temperature is a powerful de-puffing agent in itself. The combination of the cold and the caffeine is the ultimate one-two punch for puffy eyes.

How to Get Rid of Dark Under-Eye Circles (When It’s Not a Lack of Sleep)

My Dark Circles Were Genetic, Not a Sign of Fatigue

I always had dark, hollow-looking circles under my eyes, no matter how much I slept. I learned that for many people, dark circles are not caused by fatigue. They are caused by genetics—either by thin skin that shows the underlying blood vessels, or by a shadow being cast by the natural hollow of your tear trough. No amount of eye cream can fix this. The only thing that truly worked for me was a small, conservative amount of hyaluronic acid filler, injected by a skilled dermatologist, to plump up the hollow.

I Got LASIK at 35. My Honest Review a Decade Later.

The Best $4,000 I Ever Spent

At 35, I finally got LASIK surgery. The cost was about $4,000 for both eyes. The procedure itself was fast and painless. Waking up the next morning and being able to see my alarm clock perfectly without reaching for my glasses was a moment of pure, life-changing magic. Now, a decade later at 45, it is still the single best investment I have ever made in my quality of life. The freedom from the daily hassle of glasses and contacts has brought me a level of joy and convenience that is priceless.

The Surprising Link Between Your Liver Health and Your Eye Health (TCM)

My “Tired” Eyes Were a Sign of a “Stressed” Liver

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the health of the liver is directly connected to the health of the eyes. I was complaining to my acupuncturist about my dry, tired, red eyes. She didn’t look at my eyes; she asked me about my stress levels and my diet. She said that from a TCM perspective, a “stressed” or “overheated” liver can manifest as eye problems. Her prescription wasn’t eye drops; it was a diet of “cooling” foods, stress-reducing herbs, and acupuncture points to support my liver function.

What Your Eyes Reveal About Your Overall Health

Your Eyes Are a Window to Your Blood Vessels

During a routine eye exam, my optometrist was the first person to spot my high blood pressure. He could see changes in the tiny blood vessels in the back of my eye. Our eyes are the only place in the body where a doctor can directly view our blood vessels without cutting us open. An eye exam can reveal the first signs of serious systemic health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain autoimmune diseases. It’s a powerful reason to get your eyes checked annually, even if your vision is perfect.

How to Properly Remove Eye Makeup to Prevent Wrinkles and Infections

Stop Scrubbing Your Eyelids!

I used to remove my stubborn mascara by aggressively scrubbing my eyes with a makeup wipe. An esthetician was horrified. She told me the delicate skin around the eyes is the first place to show signs of aging, and all that pulling and tugging was causing premature wrinkles. Her method: soak a cotton pad in an oil-based makeup remover. Hold the pad over your closed eye for a full 30 seconds to dissolve the makeup. Then, gently wipe downwards. No scrubbing required. This gentle technique has saved my lashes and the skin around my eyes.

The Best Sunglasses to Protect Your Eyes from UV Damage (It’s Not About Price)

The Most Important Sticker on Your Shades

I used to think that dark, expensive sunglasses offered the best protection. My optometrist told me that the color and the price have nothing to do with it. The single most important thing to look for is a sticker or a label that says “100% UV Protection” or “UV400.” This means the lenses block all of the harmful UVA and UVB rays. A cheap, $15 pair of sunglasses with a UV400 label is far more protective than a $400 pair of designer sunglasses that doesn’t have it.

The “20-20-20 Rule” and Why It’s a Game-Changer for Your Eyes

A Micro-Break for Your Hardest Working Muscles

If you work at a computer, the “20-20-20 rule” is the most important habit you can adopt. It’s simple: for every 20 minutes you spend looking at a screen, you must take a 20-second break to look at something that is at least 20 feet away. This simple act gives the tiny focusing muscles inside your eyes a much-needed break from the constant strain of close-up work. I set a timer on my computer to remind me. This one, free habit has completely eliminated my end-of-day eye strain and headaches.

I Tried a “Cold Compress” vs. a “Warm Compress” for Puffy Eyes. Here’s the Winner.

Cold Constricts, Warm Soothes

I woke up with seriously puffy eyes. I tried two different compresses. The cold compress—a gel pack from the freezer—was the clear winner for reducing the puffiness. The cold helps to constrict the blood vessels, which reduces swelling. The warm compress, on the other hand, was much more effective for a different problem: soothing a painful stye. The warmth helps to open up the clogged oil gland. So, the winner depends on the problem: cold for puffiness, warm for styes.

The Top 5 Supplements for Vision Protection (Lutein, Zeaxanthin, etc.)

The AREDS2 Formula and Beyond

My ophthalmologist told me about the famous “AREDS2” study, which identified a combination of vitamins and antioxidants that can help to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration. The key players are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that are found in high concentrations in the macula and act like internal sunglasses, filtering out damaging blue light. While a healthy diet is the best source, a good “eye vitamin” supplement based on this formula can provide extra protection.

How to Apply Eye Drops Without Making a Mess

The “Punctal Occlusion” Trick

I used to hate putting in eye drops. I would always blink them out, and they’d run down my face. A nurse taught me the proper technique. First, tilt your head back and gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Put one single drop in that pocket. Then—and this is the key—close your eye and gently press your finger against the inner corner of your eye, right next to your nose, for one full minute. This technique, called “punctal occlusion,” closes the tear duct and allows the drop to be fully absorbed by your eye.

The Truth About “Eye Yoga”: Can It Really Improve Your Eyesight?

A Good Workout for Your Eye Muscles, Not a Cure for Nearsightedness

I was intrigued by “eye yoga,” a set of exercises that claims to improve your eyesight naturally. I tried it for a month. While the exercises were relaxing and helped with my eye strain, they did absolutely nothing to improve my actual prescription for nearsightedness. An ophthalmologist confirmed why. Nearsightedness is caused by the physical shape of your eyeball. No amount of eye exercise can change that shape. So, while eye yoga is a great tool for relieving fatigue, it is not a “cure” for needing glasses.

I Tried Castor Oil on My Eyelashes and Eyebrows. The Growth Was Real.

The Old-School Secret for Fuller Brows

My eyebrows were getting sparse in my forties. Instead of buying an expensive growth serum, I decided to try an old-school remedy: castor oil. Every night, after I washed my face, I used a clean mascara wand to brush a small amount of cold-pressed castor oil through my eyebrows and onto my eyelashes. Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which is thought to stimulate hair follicles. After about two months of consistent use, my brows were noticeably fuller, and my lashes looked longer and thicker.

What an Optometrist Wishes You Knew About Your Vision

Your Eyes Are Not Separate From Your Body

I asked my optometrist what she wishes her patients knew. She said, “I wish people understood that their eyes are not just a separate entity; they are a direct reflection of their overall health.” She said she can often see the first signs of diabetes, high blood pressure, and even high cholesterol just by looking at the back of the eye. She stressed that taking care of your overall health—by eating well, exercising, and not smoking—is the single most important thing you can do for the long-term health of your vision.

How to Choose the Most Flattering Glasses for Your Face Shape

The “Opposites Attract” Rule

I was overwhelmed trying to choose new glasses. A stylish optician gave me a simple rule of thumb: opposites attract. If you have a very round face, you should look for angular, rectangular frames to add definition. If you have a very square, angular face with a strong jawline, you should look for rounder, softer frames to create balance. The goal is to choose a frame shape that is the opposite of your face shape. This simple principle makes it so much easier to narrow down the choices.

The Signs of Digital Eye Strain and How to Get Relief Fast

It’s More Than Just “Tired Eyes”

I was experiencing the classic symptoms of “digital eye strain”: dry eyes, headaches, and blurry vision after a long day at the computer. My doctor told me to look out for other, less obvious signs, like increased sensitivity to light and neck and shoulder pain from poor posture. For fast relief, he recommended the “20-20-20 rule” (look away from your screen every 20 minutes). He also suggested using preservative-free artificial tears throughout the day to keep my eyes lubricated.

I Got an “Upneeq” Prescription for My Droopy Eyelids. Instant Eye Lift.

The Eye Drop That Opens Your Eyes

As I got into my late forties, I noticed my upper eyelids were starting to look a little droopy and heavy, which made me look tired. I wasn’t ready for surgery. My dermatologist told me about a new prescription eye drop called Upneeq. It works by stimulating a tiny muscle in the eyelid, which causes it to lift by a few millimeters. The effect is subtle but significant. It’s like an “eye lift in a bottle.” The drops are expensive, about $200 a month, but for a special event, they provide an amazing, temporary boost.

How to Prevent Dry Eyes, Especially in the Winter or in an Office

My Eyes Felt Like the Sahara Desert

Every winter, or after a long day in a dry office, my eyes would feel gritty and painful. My eye doctor gave me a few tips for preventing dry eye. First, be mindful of your environment. Use a humidifier at your desk and at home. Second, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. And third, make a conscious effort to blink more often when you’re staring at a screen. He also recommended taking a high-quality omega-3 fish oil supplement, which has been shown to improve the quality of your tear film.

The Best Lighting for Your Workspace to Reduce Eye Fatigue

My Bright, Cool Office Lights Were the Problem

I was getting terrible eye strain at work. I realized my office was lit with harsh, cool-toned fluorescent overhead lights. I made two changes that made a huge difference. First, I turned off the overhead light and started using a desk lamp with a warm-toned bulb, which is much easier on the eyes. Second, I made sure my desk lamp was positioned so that it wasn’t creating a glare on my computer screen. Creating a softer, warmer, and glare-free lighting environment has dramatically reduced my daily eye fatigue.

Can You Really “Get Rid” of Eye Floaters?

The Annoying Little Squiggles in My Vision

I started to notice more “eye floaters”—those little gray squiggles that drift across my field of vision. They were driving me crazy. My ophthalmologist reassured me that for most people, they are a normal and harmless part of aging. They are tiny clumps of collagen that have broken off from the vitreous humor inside the eye. While there are some risky surgical procedures to remove them, for the vast majority of people, the best treatment is to simply learn to ignore them. Your brain eventually gets very good at tuning them out.

I Tried a “Heated Eye Mask” for Dry Eyes. It Was a Game Changer.

Melting the Butter in My Eyelids

My dry eye was caused by my meibomian glands—the tiny oil glands along my lash line—getting clogged. The oil they produce is supposed to be like olive oil, but mine was thick like cold butter. My eye doctor recommended a heated eye mask. I use a special mask that I can heat in the microwave for 20 seconds. I place it over my closed eyes for ten minutes every night. The gentle, consistent heat helps to melt the clogged oil, allowing it to flow freely and properly lubricate my eyes. It has been a game-changer.

The Connection Between Blood Sugar and Blurry Vision

My Vision Was a Barometer for My Diet

I noticed that on days when I ate a lot of sugar and refined carbs, my vision would feel slightly blurry and off. I learned that high blood sugar can cause the lens of your eye to swell, which temporarily changes your vision. While this is a temporary effect, over time, consistently high blood sugar, as seen in diabetes, can cause permanent damage to the delicate blood vessels in the retina. It was a powerful, real-time reminder of how directly my dietary choices affect every single part of my body, including my eyes.

How to Make Your Eyes Look Brighter and More Awake (Makeup Tricks)

The “Inner Corner Highlight” Is Magic

I’m not a big makeup person, but I’ve learned two simple tricks that make my eyes look instantly brighter and more awake. The first is to curl my eyelashes. It takes ten seconds, but it visually “opens up” the eye. The second is the “inner corner highlight.” I take a shimmery, light-colored eyeshadow or highlighter and just dab a tiny amount on the inner corner of each eye. This little bit of light reflection instantly makes you look more awake and vibrant. It’s the oldest trick in the makeup artist’s book for a reason.

The Best Eye-Safe Mascaras for Sensitive Eyes

My Eyes Were Itchy for a Reason

My eyes were always red and itchy, and I blamed it on allergies. Then I realized my mascara might be the culprit. Many mascaras contain ingredients that can be irritating to sensitive eyes. I switched to a “tubing” mascara. Unlike regular mascara, which paints the lashes, tubing mascara forms tiny, water-resistant “tubes” around each lash. It doesn’t flake or smudge into your eyes during the day, and it comes off easily with just warm water and gentle pressure, which means less irritation.

I Learned to “Palming” to Relax My Eyes. It’s Like a Meditation for Your Vision.

A 60-Second Reset for Strained Eyes

My yoga teacher taught me the practice of “palming.” It’s a simple technique to relax your eye muscles and relieve strain. You vigorously rub your palms together to generate heat. Then, you gently cup your warm palms over your closed eyes, being careful not to put pressure on the eyeballs. You just sit like that for 60 seconds, breathing deeply and enjoying the warmth and the darkness. It’s like a mini-meditation for your eyes. I do it several times a day at my desk, and it provides an instant sense of relief.

The Future of Eye Care: Smart Contact Lenses and Bionic Eyes

The Sci-Fi Tech That’s Becoming a Reality

The future of eye care sounds like something out of a science fiction movie. Researchers are developing “smart” contact lenses that can monitor your glucose levels or even dispense medication directly into your eye. For people with severe vision loss, “bionic eyes” or retinal implants are becoming more sophisticated, allowing them to perceive light and shapes. And gene therapies are being developed that could one day cure inherited retinal diseases. The technological advances in this field are truly incredible.

How to Read an Eyeglass Prescription

Understanding the Numbers Behind Your Vision

My eyeglass prescription looked like a secret code. My optician finally explained it. “OD” is your right eye, and “OS” is your left. The “Sphere” number indicates if you are nearsighted (a minus sign) or farsighted (a plus sign). The “Cylinder” and “Axis” numbers relate to astigmatism, which is when your eye is shaped more like a football than a basketball. And the “Add” number is for bifocals or progressive lenses, indicating the additional power needed for reading. Understanding this code helped me feel like a more informed consumer.

The Pros and Cons of Daily vs. Monthly Contact Lenses

The Price of Convenience vs. the Risk of Infection

I wore monthly contact lenses for years because they were cheaper. But I was lazy about cleaning them and would often stretch them for longer than I should have. This put me at a higher risk for eye infections. I finally switched to daily disposable lenses. The pros: they are incredibly convenient and much healthier for your eyes, as you start with a fresh, sterile lens every single day. The con: they are significantly more expensive. For me, the extra cost was worth the convenience and the reduced health risk.

I Tried a “Red Light Therapy” Device for My Crow’s Feet.

A High-Tech Weapon Against Wrinkles

I bought a small, handheld red light therapy device specifically to target the crow’s feet around my eyes. The device uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate the skin and stimulate your cells’ mitochondria, which can lead to increased collagen production over time. I used it for three minutes on each eye, every single night, for three months. The results were subtle but noticeable. The fine lines appeared softer and the skin looked plumper. It’s a long-term commitment, but I believe it’s an effective, non-invasive tool.

The Importance of an Annual Eye Exam (Even With Perfect Vision)

It’s a Health Exam, Not Just a Vision Test

My friend, who has had 20/20 vision her whole life, never went to the eye doctor. She thought, “Why would I?” At 42, she finally went for a baseline exam. The optometrist found that the pressure inside her eyes was dangerously high, a sign of early, asymptomatic glaucoma. If left untreated, it could have led to irreversible vision loss. She learned a crucial lesson: an annual eye exam is not just a vision test. It’s a comprehensive health exam that can detect silent, sight-threatening diseases before you ever notice a symptom.

How Dehydration Affects Your Eyesight

My Blurry Vision Was Just Thirst

I was having a day where my vision felt blurry and I was having trouble focusing. I was worried something was seriously wrong. Then I realized I had been running around all day and had barely had anything to drink. I drank two big glasses of water, and within an hour, my vision was back to normal. Dehydration can affect the fluid balance in your eyes, causing the lens to change shape slightly, which leads to blurry vision. It was a simple, powerful reminder that proper hydration is crucial for every single system in your body, including your eyes.

The Best Foods Rich in Vitamin A for Night Vision

Eating Carrots to See in the Dark Is Real (Sort Of)

The old saying that carrots help you see in the dark is actually based in science. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A. Vitamin A is a crucial component of rhodopsin, a pigment in your retina that is responsible for converting light into an electrical signal. It is particularly important for your ability to see in low-light conditions. So, eating a diet rich in Vitamin A from foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens is essential for maintaining good night vision.

I Stopped Rubbing My Eyes for 30 Days. The Skin Around Them Transformed.

My Bad Habit Was Giving Me Wrinkles

I had a terrible habit of rubbing my eyes when I was tired or stressed. The skin around your eyes is the thinnest and most delicate on your entire body. All that pulling and tugging can break down the collagen and elastin, leading to premature fine lines and sagging. I made a conscious effort to stop for 30 days. It was hard. But at the end of the month, I was shocked. The skin looked smoother, and the dark circles were less pronounced. It was a free “anti-aging” treatment; I just had to stop my bad habit.

How to Clean Your Eyelids to Prevent Styes and Blepharitis

You Need to Wash Your Lash Line, Too

I was getting frequent, painful styes. My eye doctor told me I had “blepharitis,” a chronic inflammation of the eyelids caused by clogged oil glands along the lash line. He taught me how to properly clean my eyelids. Every night, I use a warm compress to loosen any debris. Then, I take a gentle, tear-free baby shampoo on a Q-tip and gently scrub my lash line. This simple, daily hygiene practice has completely eliminated my styes and has made my eyes feel so much more comfortable.

The Surprising Eye Symptoms of a Thyroid Problem

My Dry Eyes and Buggy Look Were a Clue

My aunt started experiencing severe dry eye and noticed that her eyes seemed to be bulging slightly. She thought it was just allergies and aging. Her eye doctor was the one who suspected a thyroid problem. It turns out that “Grave’s Disease,” a form of hyperthyroidism, can cause inflammation in the muscles and tissues behind the eyes, leading to these exact symptoms. Her eye problems were the first clue that led to her eventual diagnosis. It’s another example of how your eyes are a window into your systemic health.

A Guide to Understanding Cataracts: Prevention and Treatment

The “Clouding” of Your Eye’s Natural Lens

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which sits right behind your pupil. It’s a very common part of aging. It’s like looking through a foggy or dusty window. The number one cause of cataracts is cumulative, lifelong sun exposure. So, the best prevention is to wear UV-blocking sunglasses diligently. The treatment is a remarkable and common surgery where the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL), which restores clear vision almost instantly.

The Best Artificial Tears and Rewetting Drops on the Market

Not All Eye Drops Are Created Equal

My eyes are constantly dry from screen time. I learned that not all artificial tears are the same. For mild dryness, any standard lubricating drop will do. But for more significant dryness, my eye doctor recommended “preservative-free” drops. They come in small, single-use vials. While they are more expensive, they are much gentler on the eye for frequent use. He also recommended drops that specifically target the “lipid layer” of the tear film, which helps to prevent evaporation. It’s worth paying a little more for a more sophisticated formula.

How Your Sleep Position Affects Your Eyes and Wrinkles

My Pillow Was Giving Me Crow’s Feet

I’m a dedicated side-sleeper. I started to notice that I had more fine lines and “crow’s feet” around the eye that was always smooshed into the pillow. A dermatologist confirmed that your sleep position can absolutely contribute to “sleep wrinkles.” The constant compression and folding of the skin can break down collagen over time. The “best” position for preventing these wrinkles is to sleep on your back. If you can’t, like me, using a silk pillowcase can help to reduce the friction and tugging on the delicate eye-area skin.

I Used a Silk Sleep Mask for a Year. Here’s Why I’ll Never Go Back.

My Secret to Deeper Sleep and Fewer Wrinkles

I started using a silk sleep mask as part of my nightly routine. The benefits have been twofold. First, the complete darkness it provides has dramatically improved my sleep quality. It blocks out any ambient light, which helps my brain produce more melatonin. Second, the silk material is incredibly gentle on the delicate skin around my eyes. It doesn’t tug or pull like a cotton mask might, which I believe helps to prevent sleep wrinkles. It’s a small, luxurious investment that has a big impact on my sleep and my skin.

The Link Between High Blood Pressure and Your Vision

The Silent Killer Can Steal Your Sight

High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it has no symptoms. But an eye doctor can see it. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage the delicate blood vessels in your retina, a condition called “hypertensive retinopathy.” It can lead to blurry vision, and in severe cases, it can cause a “stroke” in your eye, leading to permanent vision loss. This is yet another crucial reason to get your blood pressure checked regularly and to get an annual dilated eye exam.

How to Transition to Progressive Lenses Without Getting Dizzy

My Brain Had to Learn a New Way of Seeing

At 45, I needed my first pair of “progressive” lenses, the “no-line” bifocals. The first day I wore them, I was so dizzy and disoriented I felt seasick. My optician told me this was normal. My brain had to learn a new way of seeing. She gave me some tips for a smoother transition. She told me to point my nose, not my eyes, at what I want to look at. And she told me to wear them as much as possible for the first two weeks to force my brain to adapt. After that initial, weird period, they became completely natural.

The Best Anti-Fog Solutions for People Who Wear Glasses with a Mask

The Perennial Problem of the Pandemic

As a glasses-wearer, wearing a mask was a constant, foggy struggle. I tried everything. The simple soap-and-water trick (washing your lenses with soapy water and letting them air dry) works surprisingly well. There are also special anti-fog sprays and wipes that create a temporary hydrophilic coating on the lens. But the single most effective solution I’ve found is to get a mask with a good, strong, metal nose bridge and to make sure it is sealed very tightly over my nose. Preventing the warm air from escaping upwards is the real key.

The Surprising Way Omega-3s Improve Your Eye Health

The “Good Fats” for Your Retinas

We all know that omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon, are good for our heart and brain. But they are also incredibly important for our eyes. The retina has a very high concentration of DHA, a specific type of omega-3. It’s a crucial structural component of our photoreceptor cells. Omega-3s also have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, which can help with conditions like dry eye. Eating fatty fish twice a week or taking a high-quality fish oil supplement is a great investment in your long-term vision.

How to Create an “Eye-Friendly” Environment at Home

Small Tweaks for Less Strain

I made a few simple changes in my home environment that have made a big difference for my eyes. First, I use a humidifier during the dry winter months to combat dry eye. Second, I’ve adjusted the lighting. I use warm-toned bulbs and I try to position lamps so they don’t create a glare on my TV or computer screen. And third, I’ve adjusted the settings on my computer and phone to a “night shift” mode, which reduces the amount of blue light they emit in the evening.

My “Bright Eyes” Morning Routine: Depuff, Hydrate, and Awaken

My 5-Minute Morning Eye Makeover

I’ve developed a simple, five-minute “bright eyes” routine for mornings when I look tired. Step one: I splash my face with cold water to constrict the blood vessels. Step two: I use a de-puffing eye roller tool that I keep in the freezer. Step three: I apply a caffeinated eye cream. Step four: I use a hydrating eye drop. And the final, secret step: I use a brightening, nude-colored eyeliner on my lower waterline. This instantly cancels out any redness and makes my eyes look bigger and more awake.