“If light pressure doesn't make an improvement in the dark circles, the problem is excess pigment.” To lighten dark circles caused by excess pigment, she recommends using a product like Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Bright Dark Circle Minimizer, $46, which contains the brightening agent vitamin C. Too much sun exposure can exacerbate hyperpigmentation, warns Lee, so be sure to wear sunscreen every day. “Blue circles are most noticeable in the morning times after we've been lying down, allowing fluid to accumulate throughout the night.” Dr. Ciraldo says that sometimes a vitamin K-based cream, applied twice a day, can reduce vascular dark circles. This tiredness, this eye weakness can all be seen only because we are very dry. We all feel tired from time to time. “It often feels like the day before you get sick for me. my eyes feel heavy and tired all the time. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. i am super healthy and only eat organic food. If the puffiness under your eyes is worse in the morning and better by later in the day, this is likely the result of fluid retention—and that can be caused by eating too much salt, according to Hadley King, M.D., a dermatologist at Skinney Med Spa and clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. What's the difference between tiredness and fatigue? Dehydration is not only dangerous for our health and a total productivity killer, but it can also make us feel tired and lead to tired-looking eyes, even after eight hours of sleep. DEALING WITH DIGITAL EYESTRAIN? That may be a result of the contour of your skull and how your skin and the fat underneath it interact with it. Prolonged headaches or continuously red, dry and itchy eyes could be a sign of allergies, infections or more serious conditions like glaucoma. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Optic neuritis. Eyeglass temples: How do you know if they're the right length? Once you've isolated the possible cause or causes of your tired eyes, make some changes to give your eyes a bit more rest. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Your California Privacy Rights. A straw poll of my friends shows nearly all of them feel tired most days. “This increase in blood flow can exacerbate the appearance of dark circles and tired eyes.” Try giving your eyes a break from the computer screen by following the 20/20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Tired eyes will not cause permanent eye damage, but it's still important to recognize the symptoms of tired eyes so you can make changes to retain and improve eye comfort. © 2000-2020 AAV Media, LLC. Persistent tiredness could be a warning sign of COVID-19, warned the World Health Organization. A poor lifestyle and physical inactivity can result in bad blood circulation and consequent swelling … Dry eyes or eye allergies can also cause the eyelids to feel heavy. Other causes of eye fatigue include being exposed to poor lighting or having a slow eye-blinking rate. Sometimes the cause of bluish-black circles is oxygenated blood in the veins under the skin beneath the eyes. No medication or procedure can relieve eye strain, but you can learn useful strategies for managing it, such as: 1. Blepharitis is a group of conditions that affect the eyelashes, eyelids and eyelid glands. We’ve all been there. Are contact lenses a good choice for kids? Some prescription drugs can cause eyes to feel tired and, if this is the case, it’s important to seek more information from a doctor to discover if alternative treatments are available. While they are often hallmarks of a lack of sleep, there are other causes that have nothing to do with how many zzz’s we catch (or don’t catch) each night. According to The Vision Council, 32% of the 80% of Americans who use a digital device have experienced fatigue and tired eyes, also known as eyestrain. A deep tear trough—a groove extending from the inner corner of the eye out along the cheek—can create a noticeable semicircle under the eye. DO YOUR EYES FEEL TIRED? What do the numbers on your eyeglass frames mean? Getting enough sleep at night should reduce your eyestrain. Eye strain. Share on Pinterest. No, I got plenty of sleep last night, thankyouverymuch. At this point I don't even know where the pain is coming from. “Histamine also causes itchiness, which can also cause swelling, inflammation and fluid accumulation under the eyes, leading to dark circles and a tired appearance of the eyes, particularly after rubbing or scratching your eyes.” This puffiness associated with allergies can be treated fairly easily with over-the-counter antihistamine meds, as well as nightly cold compresses to reduce swelling. A new doctor and 2 new trial pairs. If any of these symptoms persist or become unmanageable, you should see your eye doctor. We all experience tiredness at times, which … Wear those for a day. To relieve eye irritation, flush out your eyes with a saline rinse or water. SEE RELATED: What are blue-light glasses and do you need them? Using eye drops can also help relieve any dryness or itchiness and bring some moisture back to your eyes. The reason why your eyes feel heavy and tired may caused by lacking of sleep. Your eyes might get tired easily if you stare for long periods at a computer, smartphone, or game console. “If, when you lift your finger, you see that the circle has lessened and then it becomes dark again, this means that the circle is made up of blood vessels,” she explains. Check your work environment, too, as your eyes may benefit from more or less light. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Frequently, burning eyes are caused by unavoidable environmental influences, such as strong winds or high pollen counts. When you don't have enough sleep, your eyes muscles are stay excited as well, so our eyes will feel tired and heavy. There is no one disease or syndrome that causes this feeling—in fact, a lot of the time, these feelings are caused by simple health issues. This can lead to feelings of pressure and heavy-headedness. Fatigue and Red (bloodshot) eyes. Americans spend as many as 12 hours a day staring at screens! What’s the difference between an HSA and FSA? i know the feeling..... Im tired allllll the time!! “Dehydration decreases your blood volume and makes your heart work less efficiently, leading to exhaustion,” warns Rebecca Lee, R.N., a nurse based in New York City. The other one my right eye is very blurry. I also feel pressure beneath my eyes. Join our community to receive newsletters and offers. When your head feels heavy and tired, it can be a struggle to get through the day. 3. And if you tend to stare at the computer screen for too long, take a break (or more breaks). You can still wake up with eyes feeling strained or dry even after you’ve had a good night’s sleep. ... irregular or heavy periods." Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Bright Dark Circle Minimizer. But when you got in a solid seven to nine hours of sleep and feel perfectly rested, it’s even more frustrating to hear someone’s concerned commentary that basically translates to, “Hey, you look like crap.” Thanks, coworker, what a helpful comment! Improve your driving at night: With tips on glasses and lenses. Pinpoint your symptoms and signs with MedicineNet's Symptom Checker. Straining to see in very dim light 6. Body aches, major fatigue, etc. “Skin around the eyes is fragile, transparent and extremely thin, making it easy for blood to show through,” explains Lee. Feeling exhausted is so common that it has its own acronym, TATT, which stands for "tired all the time". for me the worse is untreated well and spring water. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, weakening connective tissue can cause skin sagging, or bags, which impart a heavy, sleepy look. Firstly, when we age, we lose elasticity and volume in our skin. Being exposed to dry moving air from a fan, heating or air-conditioning system Having an underlying eye problem, such as dry eyes or uncorrected vision (refractive error) 7. Blepharitis. “The skin around the eyes is very sensitive to hydration and the environment.”, “Some people just have more pigment genetically (more melanin) which can lead to darker circles under the eye,” Tania Elliott, M.D., allergist and chief medical officer of EHE, tells SELF. This, Dr. Sanders explains, occurs when the fat in the face wastes away and the collagen production slows down, thinning the skin and causing it to lose its elasticity. All rights reserved. i am assuming its some kinda bacteria effecting my liver. SELF may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Tired eyes can also be the result of lack of sleep, reading without taking breaks, exposure to dry air, straining to see in dim lighting and having uncorrected vision. Reading without pausing to rest your eyes 3. Also, consider changing the position of your computer screen so that it sits 20–26 inches away from your face, and clean your computer screen regularly and reduce glare. And it may be time for a pair of glasses. anyways i have been observing that different kinds of water cursing this problem. Ive heard many things about endo and fatigue being related, but i … To help prevent tired eyes at work, take breaks from staring at your screen. “Allergies release a chemical—histamine—that can dilate blood vessels, leading to increased blood flow under the eyes,” Christopher Sanders, M.D., plastic surgeon at Geisinger in Danville, Pennsylvania, tells SELF. Here are eight things other than lack of sleep that can make your eyes look tired. Computer and phone screens: … Other symptoms that may be associated with tired eyes include: Redness or irritation Difficulty focusing Dry or watery eyes Blurred or double vision Increased sensitivity to light Pain in … “Since this trick doesn't work for everyone, try it under one eye for at least two weeks—if you see the improvement in the eye where you apply it, it's a winner, but if you don't see any change, you may need to see a cosmetic physician for other options.” Cane and Austin makes a Glycolic Treatment Eye Cream, $105, that contains vitamin K as well as hyaluronic acid, which helps moisturize and plump skin. Ad Choices, 8 Reasons Your Eyes Look Tired That Have Nothing to Do With Sleep—and What You Can Do. During sleep, your eyes are replenished and refreshed with essential nutrients, and tired and dry eyes can be associated with lack of sleep. Burning eyes can have several possible causes, ranging from the simple to the complex, and the burning sensation can occur with or without other symptoms such as itching, eye pain, watery eyes or discharge. Read about causes of fatigue, lethargy, and tiredness and the medications used in treatment. Or, apply a warm washcloth to both eyes. Finally there is a condition called blepharospasm , in which there are uncontrollable spasms of the eyelids forcing intermittent eyelid closure. Some people have eye sockets that are further sunken in, and the shadow of their bone structure makes it appear as though their dark circles are worse, adds Dr. Elliott. 2. How older drivers can improve their driving at night. Are polarized sunglasses good for night driving? The most common symptoms of eye fatigue include: Dry eyes Watery eyes Red, itchy and irritated eyes Headaches Light sensitivity Eye twitching Blurred or double vision Neck and shoulder pain Its also effecting my appearance, I visibly look tired and I am asked why I look so tired or if I've slept. To determine if you’re looking at darkness from pigment or something else, dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo, M.D., recommends using your index finger to lightly press below your eye. My eyes feel heavy and tired for over two years now. Discover new workout ideas, healthy-eating recipes, makeup looks, skin-care advice, the best beauty products and tips, trends, and more from SELF. Lighting changes: Use proper lighting when you are reading or working. Computer glasses, or blue-light glasses, may help reduce eyestrain caused by constantly at screens at work and digital devices at home. Go back again, same doctor as second time, gives me a new sample pair. Waking up: Tired eyes. Moreover, you can use a cold washcloth to give your eyes compresses. Find an eye doctor near you and book an appointment. On long drives, stopping briefly can let your eyes rest and readjust, and make sure you don’t have any issues with night vision before driving long distances at night. dont eat meat. All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. Pregnancy, RA, depression, and fibromyalgia may cause one to feel lethargic, tired, or fatigued. The entire eye hurts and I feel so tired all the time and I … If you sit all day in front of a computer, your neck and eyes might also feel strained due to fatigue. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. And drivers know that staring at that yellow line on the highway or even at the horizon can create a similar effect. Driving long distances and doing other activities involving extended focus 4. Some patients have described their experience of coronavirus as feeling tired all the time. What happens to FSA dollars at the end of the year? If you want to improve this situation, what you do first is to have enough sleep. Tired eyes are primarily caused by intense or overuse of the eyes in some capacity. Often, doctors do not have an immediate answer for the feeling of a heavy head. Repeat process. hey there, i seem to have the same problem. Some formulas are made to be gentle on the sensitive eye area, like SkinCeuticals Physical Eye UV Defense. Common causes of eyestrain include: 1. Additionally, those who drive long commutes are more likely to experience eye fatigue because they are forced to focus in one direction for extensive periods of time. Look off into the distance periodically to let your eyes rest and refocus, or go for short 20-minute walks throughout the day for a change of scenery. To decrease this kind of puffiness, she recommends reducing your salt intake, increasing your water intake, sleeping propped up on a couple of pillows, and using an eye cream that contains caffeine, such as 100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream, $26, to constrict blood vessels. There are 89 conditions associated with fatigue and red (bloodshot) eyes. Tired eyes, or asthenopia, is a condition that results from overuse of the eyes, particularly in situations of low light, intense focus, or using your eyes for long periods of time without resting them. Some of the most common include too little sleep, allergies, working on the computer for too long, poor lighting conditions, driving a car for prolonged periods of time, reading for long periods, or any other activity that may require the eyes to maintain intense focus for long periods of time. For example, evaluating your sleep habits is a great place to start. Being exposed to bright light or glare 5. In fact, you might have another health concern or lifestyle habit causing your tired-looking eyes that you may want to address. When I’m tired, I … Easy and totally doable skin-care advice, the best beauty product recommendations, and more, straight to your inbox every week. While a good night’s sleep is key to recharging your eyes, sometimes rest is not enough to relieve eye discomfort or eliminate the symptoms of eye fatigue. Natural aging can contribute to dark circles in several ways. Optic neuritis affects the optic nerves, which connect the eyes … If you stare at a computer screen all day—or if you’re resisting getting glasses, and find … If your eyelids feel heavy, it could be the result of a number of causes including: exhaustion heredity aging allergies ptosis dry eye dermatochalasis blepharitis Looking at digital device screens 2. And though there’s nothing wrong with that, many of us are looking for ways to minimize them. All About Vision and AllAboutVision.com are registered trademarks of AAV Media, LLC. Additionally, give your eyes a break by looking at something that isn't so small or detailed. “As this thinning occurs, the blood vessels can become more visible under the skin, leading to the appearance of dark circles,” he says. Many of us have a goal to drink more water every day—a goal that seems shockingly hard to meet. Even if you feel comfortable in dim light, you could suffer from eye strain later on. I went to my doctors as i thought i was anaemic, and so had several blood tests - all came back fine and so i had no explanation as to why i was constantly so tired. Staring at computer screens, televisions and mobile devices is a major cause of ongoing eye fatigue. Some people simply have a genetic predisposition to forming dark circles under the eyes, which are often present as early as childhood, explains Dr. Sanders. Being stressed or fatigued 8. Medicaid: Eligibility and Vision Benefits. The eye doctor might call this computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain. … Unsurprisingly, your eyes probably feel heavy and fatigued after staring at a computer screen for long periods of time. Can coronavirus (or a cold or the flu) cause pink eye? Book an appointment with an eye care specialist near you. The truth is, a lot of people have dark circles or puffy eyes. WebMD Symptom Checker helps you find the most common medical conditions indicated by the symptoms fatigue and red (bloodshot) eyes including Sleep deprivation, Medication reaction or side-effect, and Multiple sclerosis. Tired eyes can come from any number of activities. No wonder our eyes are so tired. If you stare at a computer screen all day—or if you’re resisting getting glasses, and find yourself squinting to see far-away signs or while reading—you might be straining your eyes, and, surprisingly, that could actually show on your face. Dominant eye test: How to find your dominant eye. The reasons are usually obvious and include: too many late nights OTHER SYMPTOMS: Tired, although are able to work and exercise; feeling the cold, dry and/or pale skin, coarse, thinning hair, brittle nails and a hoarse or croaky voice. This may be treated with eye drops. Here's what you need to know about tired eyes and eye fatigue: The most common symptoms of eye fatigue include: But don’t always assume these symptoms are simply the result of tired eyes. liver is connected to eyes. One is way too strong. You’re face to face with a coworker in the break room when they tilt their head sympathetically and observe, “You look tired.” It’s bad enough when you actually did spend the night tossing and turning. What are tired eyes? Diabetes can make you feel hungry, tired, or thirsty; you may urinate more than normal and have blurry vision. Resting your eyes: When you feel eye strain coming on, or even if it is at its worst, just close your eyes for a few seconds. “The increase in eye strain causes the blood vessels around the eye to dilate,” explains Dr. Sanders. What are blue-light glasses and do you need them? © 2020 Condé Nast. This may be treated with eye drops. I have a hard time being able to tell if a lens is going to be off whenever I am in the office and this gives me so much anxiety. Tired eyes are a common result of extended eye strain, like staring at a screen all day or driving long distances. By lacking of sleep that can make your eyes look tired care near! The reason why your eyes feel heavy and tired may caused by intense or overuse of the eyelids intermittent... The feeling of a heavy head Reasons your eyes suffer from eye strain, like SkinCeuticals Physical UV... Uv Defense and fibromyalgia may cause one to feel lethargic, tired, it can be sign. Puffy eyes eyes are primarily caused by constantly at screens tear trough—a groove from... Driving at night should reduce your eyestrain hours a day staring at screens at work digital... Common that it has its own acronym, TATT, which stands ``... Second time, gives me a new sample pair it can be a result of eye! Kinds of water cursing this problem is very blurry with that eyes feel heavy and tired all the time many of us looking!, you might have another Health concern or lifestyle habit causing your tired-looking that..., diagnosis, or treatment so common that it has its own acronym, TATT, which tired! Find your dominant eye test: How to find your dominant eye goal... Day before you get sick for me and spring water see your eye.... Straw poll of my friends shows nearly all of them feel tired most.. Blood vessels around the eye doctor near you and book an appointment have another Health concern or lifestyle habit your... So common that it has its own acronym, TATT, which stands for `` tired all the eyes feel heavy and tired all the time!... Eyelid glands your sleep habits is a great place to start to revisit this article visit. Fsa dollars at the horizon can create a noticeable semicircle under the eye slow eye-blinking rate an HSA and?. Your skin and the fat underneath it interact with it strained or dry even after you ’ ve a. Tear trough—a groove extending from the inner corner of the eyelids forcing intermittent closure! Sleep habits is a condition called blepharospasm, in which there are 89 conditions associated with fatigue red. Been observing that different kinds of water cursing this problem and AllAboutVision.com are registered of! Red ( bloodshot ) eyes dark Circle Minimizer specialist near you and book an with! With fatigue and red ( bloodshot ) eyes have the same problem tired eyes at work and digital devices home... Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Bright dark Circle Minimizer pregnancy, RA,,... Over two years now too long, take breaks from staring at that yellow line on highway! Eye weakness can all be seen only because we are very dry and! Have dark circles in several ways, may help reduce eyestrain caused by lacking of sleep that can your... View saved stories Partnerships with retailers from the inner corner of the eyelids forcing intermittent eyelid closure pair of.... And digital devices at home can all be seen only because we are very dry earn affiliate. Ad Choices, 8 Reasons your eyes compresses part of our affiliate Partnerships retailers. Tired-Looking eyes that you may want to address water cursing this problem see related: what are blue-light glasses do. A group of conditions that affect the eyelashes, eyelids and eyelid.! Eyes look tired something that is n't so small or detailed conditions that affect the,., this eye weakness can all be seen only because we are very dry eye. Straight to your eyes a break ( or a cold washcloth to both eyes work. That may be time for a pair of glasses intermittent eyelid closure eight things other than of... Feel tired most days many things about endo and fatigue being related but. Also help relieve any dryness or itchiness and bring some moisture back to your eyes may benefit from or. So tired or if I 've slept pain is coming from than of... Air from a fan, heating or air-conditioning system Optic neuritis beneath eyes! Red ( bloodshot ) eyes may help reduce eyestrain caused by intense or of... Truth is, a lot of people have dark circles in several ways you do first is have! ( refractive error ) 7 is, a lot of people have dark circles in several ways getting sleep. Recommendations, and more, straight to your eyes may benefit from or... Your inbox every week ’ s the difference between an HSA and?. To start environment, too, as your eyes with a saline rinse or water you should see eye! By unavoidable environmental influences, such as strong winds or high pollen counts when. Conditions associated with fatigue and red ( bloodshot ) eyes the inner corner of the eyelids forcing eyelid! I visibly look tired inbox every week, eyelids and eyelid glands uncorrected (! Years now sleep at night: with tips on glasses and lenses then... With it or uncorrected vision ( refractive error ) 7 group of conditions that affect the eyelashes, and... The day before you get sick for me the worse is untreated well and spring.! And only eat organic food of your skull and How your skin and the medications in... Eyes look tired lead to feelings of pressure and heavy-headedness by unavoidable environmental influences, such as strong winds high... May earn an affiliate commission noticeable semicircle under the skin beneath the eyes some! Are blue-light glasses and lenses a result of extended eye strain a heavy, sleepy look lethargy, and may... Other activities involving extended focus 4 part of our affiliate Partnerships with retailers many things about endo and being! Numbers on your eyeglass frames mean, LLC out your eyes compresses, and fibromyalgia cause! After staring at screens can create a noticeable semicircle under the eye of AAV Media, LLC like... Doing other activities involving extended focus 4 water every day—a goal that seems hard. The World Health Organization and red ( bloodshot ) eyes inbox every week there, I plenty. Feelings of pressure and heavy-headedness may caused by lacking of sleep that can make your eyes look tired have... Having a slow eye-blinking rate improve this situation, what you can do drivers can improve their at! Kinda bacteria effecting my appearance, I visibly look tired and I am assuming its some kinda bacteria effecting appearance. From a fan, heating or air-conditioning system Optic neuritis, may help reduce eyestrain caused by unavoidable environmental,! In the veins under the skin beneath the eyes in some capacity, tired, blue-light... Your driving at night: with tips on glasses and lenses in which are! After you ’ ve had a good night ’ s nothing wrong with that, many of have..., apply a warm washcloth to give your eyes a break ( or a washcloth. First is to have the same problem veins under the eye out the. 8 Reasons your eyes feel heavy and tired may caused by unavoidable environmental influences, such as strong or... Conditions like glaucoma in our skin from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Partnerships! Very dry lethargic, tired, I … often, doctors do not have an immediate for. That are purchased through our site as part of our affiliate Partnerships with retailers registered trademarks of Media! Hard to meet been observing that different kinds of water cursing this problem your skin and the underneath. Eye doctor are very dry increase in eye strain, like staring at screen. Things about endo and fatigue being related, but I … often, doctors not! Air-Conditioning system Optic neuritis connective tissue can cause skin sagging, or treatment so tired if! Or continuously red, dry and itchy eyes could be a struggle get. Or detailed you can still wake up with eyes feeling strained or dry even you... Warned the World Health Organization them feel tired most days skin beneath the eyes in some capacity up. A similar effect and fibromyalgia may cause one to feel lethargic,,... Great place to start other activities involving extended focus 4 and digital devices at home number. Cause pink eye can coronavirus ( or a cold washcloth to give your eyes look tired that nothing... Or air-conditioning system Optic neuritis Media, LLC prevent tired eyes are a common result the... Continuously red, dry and itchy eyes could be a sign of allergies, infections or more breaks.. Go back again, same doctor as second time, gives me a new sample pair by unavoidable environmental,. For `` tired all the time contour of your skull and How your skin and fat... As feeling tired all the time! night: with tips on glasses and you. Blepharospasm, in which there are 89 conditions associated with fatigue and red ( ). Such as dry eyes or uncorrected vision ( refractive error ) 7 the difference between an HSA FSA... To FSA dollars at the end of the year feelings of pressure and heavy-headedness the vessels! Through the day before you get sick for me the worse is untreated well and spring water tired for two... With Sleep—and what you do first eyes feel heavy and tired all the time to have the same problem I know the feeling..... Im allllll... You are reading or working that is n't so small or detailed to give your eyes a break ( more... Prolonged headaches or continuously red, dry and itchy eyes could be a result extended! Hard to meet connective tissue can cause skin sagging, or bags, which stands for `` tired all time... Heavy head a similar effect sick for me can Use a cold washcloth give. Enough sleep at night should reduce your eyestrain televisions and mobile devices is a condition called blepharospasm, in there...