Screen-tired eyes and dark circles: a 10-minute routine
A screen at work, your phone on the sofa and a series before bed: your eyes feel it. Here's why they get so tired and a ten-minute routine to help your eyes look and feel more rested.
Why screens tire your eyes so much
When we look at a screen we blink much less than usual, so the eyes dry out. On top of that, the focusing muscles spend hours working at the same distance with no break. The result: dry, heavy eyes, a gritty feeling and a tired look by the end of the day.
Dark circles have many causes (genetics, thin skin, lack of sleep, puffiness), but little sleep and eye strain make them more visible.
During the day: the 20-20-20 rule
- Every 20 minutes, look at something about 6 metres (20 feet) away for 20 seconds.
- Blink on purpose 10 times in a row every so often.
- Place your screen an arm's length away and slightly below eye level.
- Match your screen brightness to the room and avoid glare.
- Drink water: hydration shows in your eyes too.
The 10-minute evening routine
- Remove your make-up gently (1 min), without rubbing the eye area.
- Gentle warmth and air pressure (6-8 min): with eye massager glasses, close your eyes, put on music or sleep sounds and let the warmth and gentle pressure relax the area. If you don't have them, a warm towel over closed eyes is a good alternative.
- Eye cream with massage (2 min): apply your eye cream and spread it with an eye massager or your ring finger, from the inner corner to the temple.
In the morning: cold for your eyes
If you wake up with puffy eyes, cold works better than warmth: an ice roller or an eye cream kept in the fridge, applied with gentle strokes. There are more tricks in how to depuff your face in the morning.
Warm or cold?
| Situation | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tired, dry eyes at the end of the day | Gentle warmth | Relaxes the area and feels very soothing. |
| Puffy eyelids in the morning | Cold | Helps puffiness look less noticeable. |
| To unwind before bed | Warmth and gentle pressure | Helps you switch off. |
Habits that show in your eyes
- Sleep 7-8 hours, ideally with no screens in the last half hour.
- Go easy on salt and alcohol in the evening.
- Wear sunscreen around your eyes too.
- Don't rub your eyes: the skin there is very thin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 20-20-20 rule?
Every 20 minutes in front of a screen, look at something about 6 metres away for 20 seconds. It's a very short break for your focusing muscles.
Do eye massager glasses work?
They're a very comfortable way to relax the area with gentle warmth, air pressure and vibration. Many people use them before bed to switch off.
How long should I use eye massager glasses?
10 to 15 minutes per session is enough. Use them without eye make-up and with your eyes closed.
Can you get rid of dark circles?
It depends on the cause. Genetic or pigmentation-related circles won't disappear with massage, but good sleep, cold in the morning and a good eye cream help your eyes look more rested.
Warm or cold for tired eyes?
Gentle warmth in the evening to relax; cold in the morning if your eyelids are puffy.
If you have eye pain, persistent blurred vision, redness or an eye condition, see your optician or an ophthalmologist before using massage devices.
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