Eyes can feel heavy most often because they are tired or irritated. Long periods of screen use, reading, or close work can overwork the eye muscles and reduce how often you blink, which makes the eyes feel weighed down or sore. Dryness on the surface of the eye can add to this heavy, fatigued feeling.
Dry eye and eye strain are closely linked. When the tear film does not stay stable, the eyes may feel gritty, tight, or hard to keep open. This is common with aging, contact lens use, air conditioning, and heated indoor air. Poor sleep or general fatigue can also make the eyelids feel heavy, even if vision itself seems normal.
Heaviness that worsens at the end of the day or after screen time often points to eye strain or dryness. If the feeling comes with burning, blurry vision, or frequent blinking, dryness is more likely. If one eyelid droops or feels heavier than the other, it should be checked.
Simple steps like regular screen breaks, good lighting, and blinking more often may help. Avoid using eye drops or treatments on your own for long periods. If symptoms persist, worsen, or affect daily activities, an eye doctor such as an ophthalmologist is the right specialist to evaluate the cause.