Four Common Eye Complaints
And how to prevent them
Your eyes work hard every day — constantly switching focus from near to far, adjusting to different lighting, and spending hours on digital screens. It’s no surprise they sometimes need a little extra care. Whether it’s red or tired eyes, blurry vision, or an eye infection, your eyes will let you know when something isn’t quite right.
Here, we break down the most common eye issues, what they’re telling you, and how to take better care of your eyes.
Give your eyes a break
Tired eyes
This is a very real issue, especially today. Long workdays, digital screens, and poor lighting can quickly lead to eye strain. Tired eyes are more than just a feeling — they’re a clear sign your eyes need rest.
Digital eye strain is one of the most common problems and also one of the hardest to avoid. Symptoms include tired eyes, headaches, and blurred vision. If you spend a lot of time in front of a screen, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 meters away for 20 seconds. This helps relax your eye muscles and reduces strain. You might also consider glasses with a blue light filter for extra comfort.
More than just lack of sleep
Red eyes
Red eyes are — quite literally — one of the most visible signs of eye discomfort and can have many causes. While fatigue is often the main culprit, allergies, irritants (like dust, pollen, pet hair, or even makeup and skincare), screen overuse, and infections (such as conjunctivitis) can also play a role.
Although red eyes are usually treatable, they can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful — especially if accompanied by itching, burning, watery eyes, or swelling. In those cases, it’s best to consult your doctor or optician. Above all, give your eyes rest and keep them hydrated with eye drops.
When irritation becomes more serious
Eye infections
An eye infection can range from mild discomfort to more serious symptoms. You may notice redness, swelling, and sometimes pain — all signs that something may need attention.
For mild cases, a warm compress and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory eye drops can help. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to consult an eye specialist. They can determine whether there’s an infection or another condition that requires prescription treatment.
When to take action
Blurred vision
Blurred vision can vary from slightly out of focus to severely unclear. It may simply be a sign that it’s time for an eye test — but it’s important to understand the cause.
Often, it’s due to nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Dry eyes can also affect your vision, as tears play a key role in keeping your sight sharp. When your eyes are too dry, your vision may fluctuate between clear and blurry.
In some cases, underlying conditions like cataracts (where the lens becomes cloudy) or glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye damaging the optic nerve) may be involved.
If blurred vision persists — especially with pain or other symptoms — visit your optician. Regular eye exams help detect changes early and ensure your prescription is up to date, while also checking for potential eye conditions.
Most eye complaints — such as tired or red eyes, infections, and blurred vision — are common. But with the right care, they can often be managed or prevented. Visit your local optomitrist and ask for your updated prescription - it's yours. Purchase your glasses here with us easily and much more affordably.