What causes drowsiness and eye fatigue?

Jun 06, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Shuai
Introduction
In general, drowsiness and eye fatigue may be caused by lack of sleep, prolonged eye use, dry eye syndrome, keratitis, glaucoma, and other factors. Symptomatic management such as general treatment and medication may be needed. It is recommended to consume more foods rich in vitamin A and lutein in daily diet, such as carrots, oranges, spinach, etc., to provide essential nutrients for the eyes and help enhance eye function.

Generally, drowsiness and eye fatigue may be caused by lack of sleep, prolonged eye use, dry eye syndrome, keratitis, glaucoma, and other factors. Symptomatic treatment such as general therapy and medication may be needed. If discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation can lead to poor blood circulation in the eyes, causing congestion of blood vessels beneath the eye skin and fluid retention, resulting in eye fatigue and the formation of eye bags. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue and difficulty concentrating. It is recommended to maintain a regular sleep schedule, create a quiet and comfortable sleeping environment, and avoid using electronic devices before bedtime.

2. Prolonged Eye Use

Staring at computers, mobile phones, or other electronic screens for extended periods can lead to eye fatigue, including symptoms such as dryness, pain, and blurred vision. It is recommended to take regular breaks and look away from the screen to reduce the burden on the eyes.

3. Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is mainly caused by insufficient tear secretion, abnormal tear composition, and other factors. Patients with dry eye syndrome have reduced tear film stability and decreased lubrication of the eye surface, which increases friction during blinking, causing eye fatigue, possibly accompanied by dryness, foreign body sensation, burning sensation, and other symptoms. It is recommended to use medications such as sodium hyaluronate eye drops, Jinzhen eye drops, and flumetholon under the guidance of a physician.

4. Keratitis

Infection of the cornea by bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc., can cause corneal inflammatory reactions, which may present symptoms such as redness, pain, and increased secretions in the eyes. This can make the eyes more sensitive and fatigued during daily activities. It is recommended to use medications such as methylprednisolone tablets, acyclovir eye drops, and ganciclovir ophthalmic gel under the guidance of a physician.

5. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is usually caused by impaired circulation of intraocular fluid. Patients with glaucoma experience elevated intraocular pressure, which compresses the optic nerve and affects the transmission of visual information, leading to eye fatigue, possibly accompanied by visual field defects, headaches, nausea, and other symptoms. It is recommended to follow medical advice to use medications such as mannitol injection, prednisolone acetate eye drops, betaxolol hydrochloride eye drops, and other medications to relieve symptoms.

It is recommended to consume more foods rich in vitamin A and lutein in daily life, such as carrots, oranges, spinach, etc., to provide nutrition for the eyes and help enhance eye function.