How to Soothe Dry, Tired Eyes
The most common thing we hear at the clinic in Tralee: "My eyes feel tired all day and I don't know why."
Here are seven things that actually help, ranked by evidence.
1. Warm compresses (twice daily, 8 minutes)
Use a microwavable eye mask or a clean flannel dipped in warm water. Heat softens the oils in your Meibomian glands so tears don't evaporate.
2. The 20-20-20 rule
Every 20 minutes of screen work, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Blink rate drops 60% at a screen — this resets it.
3. Omega-3 (2000mg EPA+DHA daily)
Nine of ten randomised trials show benefit for dry eye symptoms. Cold-pressed fish oil or good-quality vegan algae.
4. Humidify your bedroom
Central heating in an Irish winter drops indoor humidity below 30%. A €30 humidifier fixes this.
5. Rethink your contact lenses
Monthly lenses in a 55-year-old dry eye patient is a common trap. Talk to your optometrist about daily disposables or a fitting change.
6. Preservative-free drops (see our OTC guide)
7. Get properly assessed
If none of the above brings lasting relief in 4 weeks, the underlying cause is likely not tear volume — it's gland function. That needs imaging and, usually, IRPL.