In today’s digital age, with screens a constant presence in our lives, it’s no wonder that many people suffer from eye strain. Whether it’s staring at a computer screen for hours on end, scrolling through social media on your phone, or binge-watching our favorite TV shows, our eyes can easily become strained and tired.
What is eye strain?
Eye fatigue, also known as amblyopia, is a common condition characterized by fatigue, pain, or irritation of the eyes. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Staring at screens for too long: Staring at electronic screens for too long can cause eye strain.
Lacking of light: Working in dimly lit environments or in strong light can also cause eye strain.
Uncorrected vision problems: If you have outdated prescriptions or uncorrected vision problems, it can strain your eyes and cause fatigue.
Dry eyes: Not blinking enough when looking at a screen can cause dry eyes, leading to discomfort and fatigue.
Symptoms of eye strain
Recognizing the symptoms of eye strain is crucial to managing and preventing its effects. Common symptoms include:
Sore, tired, or burning eyes
Dry or watery eyes
Blurred or double vision
headache
Increased sensitivity to light
Have a hard time concentrating
Control eye strain
Fortunately, there are several ways to manage and relieve the symptoms of eye strain:
Take regular breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule by taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes and looking 20 feet away to reduce eye strain.
Adjust the screen: Place the screen at eye level, about arm’s length away, to reduce eye strain.
Use proper lighting: Make sure your workspace is well-lit but not too harsh, and consider using an anti-glare screen on your device.
FAQ
How to treat sleep eye?
Over-the-counter or prescription eye drops can relieve dry and tired eyes. Even if your eyes feel fine, use them to keep them moist and prevent symptoms from recurring. Or, if you like to cry naturally, remember to blink often, especially when looking at electronic devices.
How long will eye strain last?
It can cause discomfort, but it’s usually not serious. Once you stop or take regular breaks, your eyes will usually feel better. However, if you don’t address the cause, eye strain can last for several days. Eye strain also takes longer to resolve if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches or dry eyes.
How to wake tired eyes?
Soak a towel in warm water and apply it to tired, dry eyes (close them). Use artificial tears to rejuvenate your eyes when they feel dry. To prevent dry eyes indoors, use an air purifier to filter dust and a humidifier to increase air humidity.
Should I worry about eye strain?
You can usually treat temporary eye strain with a few simple lifestyle changes and become aware of which tasks are bothering your eyes. But if your eye strain is severe or chronic, you should make an appointment with your doctor to rule out any more serious conditions.
Why do my eyes bother me?
If your symptoms of eye strain persist, even though the eyes are no longer doing high-intensity visual tasks, you should see your optometrist for an investigation. There are many symptoms that are similar to other more serious eye diseases, such as benign or malignant tumors of the eye or brain.
