Tackle Tired Eyes: Make Your Own Cooling Eye Wash

Why tired eyes are so common

Spending hours staring at a screen takes a toll on your eyes. Most of us do it daily, whether for work or scrolling at home, and human eyes are not naturally accustomed to prolonged screen exposure.

One reason screens cause problems is that we tend to blink less when concentrating on a monitor. Blinking spreads moisture across the surface of the eye, so fewer blinks means drier eyes. Add in air conditioning or central heating, both of which pull moisture from the air, and you have a recipe for eyes that feel gritty, sore or uncomfortably warm.

Taking regular breaks from your screen helps. The NHS recommends the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. But if your eyes still feel tired and scratchy by the end of the day, a gentle eye wash may offer some relief.

What is eyebright

Eyebright, known botanically as Euphrasia officinalis, is a small flowering plant that has been used in traditional European folk medicine for centuries, particularly for complaints involving the eyes and upper respiratory tract. References to its use date back to the 1300s, and herbalists have long associated it with eye care, which is how it got its common name.

The plant grows wild across parts of Europe, including the UK, and produces small white flowers with purple streaks and a yellow centre. Dried eyebright is available from health food shops and herbalists, usually sold loose or in tea bags.

While eyebright has a long folk history, there is no conclusive scientific evidence validating it as an effective treatment for eye conditions. Some people find it soothing, others notice little difference. If you have an eye condition or any concerns about your eye health, speak to an optician or GP before trying home remedies.

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Making a cooling eye wash

This simple preparation can help rinse away dust and debris. Some users find it provides a cooling sensation for tired eyes, though effectiveness varies from person to person.

You will need:

• One tablespoon of dried eyebright
• 250ml of boiling water
• A clean glass jar or heatproof bowl
• A fine strainer or piece of muslin
• A sterile eye bath (available from most pharmacies) or clean cotton pads

Place the dried eyebright in your jar or bowl and pour over the boiling water. Cover and leave to steep for at least 15 minutes, then strain thoroughly to remove all plant material. Allow the liquid to cool completely before use.

To use, pour a small amount into a sterile eye bath and rinse each eye gently. Alternatively, soak clean cotton pads in the cooled liquid and hold them over closed eyes for a few minutes. This works well in the morning to refresh your eyes or in the evening after a long day at the screen.

Make a fresh batch each time or store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Discard after 24 hours regardless of appearance, as bacteria can grow in the liquid and pose a risk to eye health.

A few sensible precautions

Hygiene matters when dealing with anything that goes near your eyes. Use clean equipment, wash your hands before preparing or applying the wash, and never share eye baths or cotton pads with others.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using an eye wash. Wait until your eyes feel comfortable again before putting them back in.

This remedy is intended for occasional use to soothe minor tiredness and irritation. If you experience persistent discomfort, redness, discharge, changes to your vision or pain, see a healthcare professional promptly. High street opticians can often see patients at short notice for urgent concerns, and many offer free NHS eye tests for those who qualify. Check the NHS website for eligibility details.