Eye exercises that help relax tired eyes

Do your eyes feel heavy, stinging or dull by the end of the day?
If you spend a lot of time in front of a screen, drive often or read long texts, this is very common. Your eyes work all day and need rest just like your body. The good news is that simple eye exercises can help relax tired eyes and restore clear, sharp vision.

These exercises don’t take much time — just a few minutes a day. What matters most is consistency.

Why do eyes get tired?

Before looking at which exercises help relax tired eyes, it’s useful to understand why fatigue happens in the first place.

The main reason is continuous strain during near work — computer screens, phones, reading or sewing all make the eye muscles work constantly. The eye must focus on a short distance, which tires the muscles.

Other factors that affect eye comfort include:

• blinking too little — screen use reduces blinking by up to 60%, drying the eye surface

• poor lighting — too bright or too dim light increases strain

• incorrect work posture — if the screen is too high or too low

• dryness from contact lenses, especially after long hours

• dehydration and lack of sleep

When these factors combine, symptoms appear: stinging, blurry vision, headaches and dryness.

Do eye exercises really work?

Yes — to a certain degree. Eye exercises don’t cure nearsightedness or replace glasses or contact lenses, but they relax the eye muscles, improve circulation and reduce screen-related fatigue.

They are especially useful for people who work long hours at a computer or whose eyes dry out easily.

The goal is to give the eyes movement and variety — this keeps the muscles active while releasing tension.5 simple eye exercises you can do anywhere

These exercises are easy, require no special tools and fit perfectly into your day — during a work break or before bedtime.

1. Blinking exercise – the eye’s natural moisturiser

Blinking protects and moisturises the eyes. When focusing on a screen, blinking slows down, which dries the eyes.

Exercise:

• Close your eyes and blink slowly and intentionally for 10 seconds

• Relax and repeat 3 times

👉 This quick exercise restores moisture and reduces stinging.

2. Focus switching – training the eye muscles

This is one of the best exercises for tired eyes because it activates the muscles and reduces tension.

Exercise:

• Hold your finger or a pen about 30 cm from your eyes

• Look at it, then shift your gaze to something farther away, like a tree or building

• Switch focus between near and far 10–15 times

Doing this regularly helps the eyes change focus more easily.

3. Palming – warm rest for the eyes

This relaxing technique comes from yoga and helps release tension.

Exercise:

• Rub your palms together until warm

• Close your eyes and gently cup your palms over them (without pressure)

• Breathe deeply and relax for 1–2 minutes

The warmth increases comfort and blood flow around the eyes.

4. Eye circles – mobility and circulation

When the eyes stay in one position for a long time, the muscles become stiff. Circling helps them move again.

Exercise:

• Look straight ahead

• Move your eyes slowly in a circular motion clockwise, then counterclockwise

• Repeat 10 times in each direction

Avoid fast movements — focus on smoothness and relaxation.

5. Finger massage and pressure points

Gentle pressure around the eyes helps reduce fatigue and improves circulation.

Exercise:

• Place your index fingers on the brow bone and make small circles

• Move slowly toward the temples and cheekbones

• Finish with light tapping above and below the eyes

A great way to end the workday — tension melts away and the eyes feel lighter.

Screen breaks are as important as exercises

Even the best exercises won’t work if your eyes don’t get enough rest.

Use the 20-20-20 rule:
every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 metres away for 20 seconds.

This reduces muscle strain and improves focus recovery.

Also:

• keep your screen at eye level

• reduce excessive blue light (use filters if needed)

• drink enough water

• keep your workspace well lit, so your eyes don’t overwork

Eye comfort and contact lenses — an important connection

If you wear contact lenses, eye comfort becomes even more important. Lenses can dry the eyes during the day, especially in office air.

Eye exercises improve circulation, and blinking restores moisture, making lens wear more comfortable.

👉 It’s helpful to use hydrating eye drops suitable for contact lenses.
If you feel dryness quickly, choose a care product that supports moisture and give your eyes occasional breaks.

If you use a lens subscription, you’ll always have fresh, clean lenses — reducing the risk of dryness.

When should you see a specialist?

If tired eyes, stinging or blurry vision continue despite regular exercises, it’s worth having an eye exam. Sometimes the cause is an incorrect prescription or a hidden vision issue that forces the eyes to work harder.

An optometrist can check whether you need a new power or a different type of lens.

Properly fitted lenses and good eye care go hand in hand to keep your vision sharp and comfortable throughout the day.

Relaxation and consistency are key

Your eyes support you every day — help them stay comfortable. Small breaks, intentional blinking and simple exercises can make a noticeable difference.

Regular practice reduces tension, improves blood flow and helps maintain clear focus.

Try starting today — pick one or two exercises, do them daily and feel how your eyes become lighter and more refreshed.
Add proper lens care and occasional professional check-ups, and you’ll soon enjoy comfortable, clear vision again.