Have you ever looked in the mirror after a long day or been told by someone else that your eyes looked red? Maybe you’ve even sensed a slight burning sensation or dryness in your eyes after a few hours of staring at a screen or book.
These are all common symptoms of eye fatigue, a common occurrence that happens when we overexert our eyes or don’t give them enough rest. But why do our eyes turn red and blush when we get tired? Let’s explore some possible reasons behind it.
What causes eye fatigue?
Before we dig deeper into why our eyes turn red and blush when fatigued, let’s first understand what causes eye fatigue. Some common triggers of eye strain are as follows:.
- Extended use of computer screens, tablets, and smartphones
- Reading for long periods in low light conditions
- Driving long distances or doing other activities that require focus and visual attention for an extended period
- Exposure to bright light or glare from the sun or other light source
Why do our eyes turn red?
When we overwork or strain our eyes, the tiny blood vessels in our eyes expand and dilate to provide them with more oxygen and nutrients. This increased blood flow is what causes our eyes to turn reddish in color.
If you’ve ever rubbed your eyes vigorously or put them through an intense visual activity like watching a movie in a dark room, you might have seen this happen to yourself.
Another possible reason for our eyes turning red when we’re tired is lack of sleep. When we’re sleep deprived, the tissues in our body don’t get enough time to heal and refresh themselves, leading to inflammation.
Our eyes are no exception, and the lack of sleep can make them appear red or bloodshot in color.
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What causes eye redness and blushing?
Why do our eyes blush?
Blushing is a common body reaction to stress or emotional triggers. When we’re stressed or anxious, our body absorbs more oxygen in preparation for responding to the perceived danger or threat.
This results in the activation of our sympathetic nervous system, which triggers our “fight or flight” response and leads to the dilation of blood vessels, including those in our cheeks and eyes. The increased blood flow to our eyes and other body parts makes them appear blushed or flushed.
In some cases, eye blushing can also occur due to a condition called conjunctivitis or pink eye. This condition is the inflammation of the tissue that lines the inside of our eyelids and covers the white part of our eyes.
It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants and can make our eyes look red and swollen.
How to alleviate eye fatigue?
Eye fatigue can be an annoying and distracting condition, but there are many ways you can alleviate it. Here are some simple tips:.
- Take regular breaks when working on a computer or any other visual task
- Use the 20-20-20 rule: look away from your screen every 20 minutes, and focus on something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Adjust the lighting in your environment to minimize glare and reduce strain on your eyes
- Blink more often to keep your eyes lubricated and avoid dryness
- Get enough sleep every night to help your body and eyes heal and refresh themselves
Conclusion
Eye fatigue is a common condition that affects many people, especially those who use screens or perform visually intensive tasks. Our eyes turn red and blush due to various reasons like increased blood flow, lack of sleep, or emotional reactions.
It’s essential to be aware of these symptoms and take necessary steps to alleviate them, such as taking breaks, adjusting lighting, and getting enough rest. By following some simple steps, we can keep our eyes healthy and avoid the annoying and distracting effects of eye fatigue.
