What causes the feeling of eye fatigue?

Generally, feeling eye fatigue may be caused by poor eye-use habits, lack of sleep, dry eye syndrome, refractive errors, or chronic conjunctivitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Poor eye-use habits: Staring at electronic screens for prolonged periods or reading up close causes the ciliary muscle to remain continuously contracted without relaxation, easily leading to eye fatigue. Follow the "20-20-20" rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Adjust screen brightness to match ambient lighting and maintain a distance of 30–40 cm between the eyes and the screen.

2. Sleep deprivation: Long-term熬夜 or poor-quality sleep prevents the eyes from getting sufficient rest, slows periorbital blood circulation, and leads to soreness and fatigue. Ensure 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night. Avoid using electronic devices one hour before bedtime. Applying a warm compress to the eyes for 10 minutes can help improve circulation.

3. Dry eye syndrome: Reduced tear secretion or excessive evaporation results in insufficient lubrication of the ocular surface, causing dryness, fatigue, and a foreign body sensation. Use prescribed medications such as sodium hyaluronate eye drops, polyethylene glycol eye drops, or carboxymethylcellulose sodium eye drops. Use a humidifier indoors to maintain optimal humidity levels.

4. Refractive errors: Individuals with myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism who do not wear corrective lenses may experience excessive ocular strain when viewing objects, resulting in eye fatigue. Visit a reputable facility for an accurate eye examination and wear properly prescribed glasses. Alternatively, consider semi-Femto LASIK surgery, which corrects refractive errors by reshaping the corneal stroma.

5. Chronic conjunctivitis: Chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by bacterial or viral infections or environmental irritants can lead to persistent eye fatigue accompanied by increased eye discharge. Use prescribed medications such as tobramycin eye drops, levofloxacin eye drops, or erythromycin eye ointment. Avoid rubbing the eyes to prevent worsening infection.

In daily diet, increase intake of foods rich in vitamin A, such as carrots and egg yolks. Wear sunglasses outdoors according to light conditions to reduce glare and protect the eyes from excessive light exposure. Regular eye examinations are essential for maintaining long-term eye health.