Eye fatigue can be annoying. But it's usually not serious and goes away when you rest your eyes or take other steps to reduce eye discomfort. In some cases, the signs and symptoms of eye strain can indicate an underlying eye condition that needs treatment.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of eye strain include:
Pain, fatigue, burning, or itching of the eyes
Tearing or dryness of the eyes
Blurred or double vision
Headache
Neck, shoulder, or back pain
Increased sensitivity to light
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling like you can't keep your eyes open
Causes
Common causes of eye strain include:
Looking at digital screens for long periods of time
Reading continuously without resting your eyes
Driving long distances and doing other activities that require increased concentration
Exposure to bright light or glare
Trying to see in very low light
Having an underlying eye condition, such as dry eyes or refractive errors
Stress or fatigue
Exposure to dry air from a fan, heating, or air conditioning
Computer and digital device use
Long-term use of computers and other digital devices is one of the most common causes of eye strain. People who stare at screens for two or more hours each day are at the highest risk of developing this condition.
Computers are more likely to cause eye strain than reading printed material because people tend to:
Blink less when using a computer (blinking causes the eyes to become moist).
View digital displays at a shorter distance or angle than standard.
Use devices that have too much light or reflect light.
Use devices with poor contrast between the text and the background.
In some cases, an underlying eye problem, such as an imbalance in the eye muscles or uncorrected vision loss, can cause or worsen eye strain.
Some other factors that can worsen the condition include:
Staring at the screen
Poor posture
Air flow, such as from an air conditioner or fan
Complications
Eye strain does not have serious or long-term consequences, but it can be debilitating and uncomfortable. It can make you tired and reduce your ability to concentrate.
Diagnosis
After an eye exam, your doctor will ask you questions about what triggers your symptoms of eye strain and perform an optometry test.
Treatment
Treatment for eye strain generally involves making changes to your daily habits or living environment. In some people, another eye condition may be causing your symptoms of eye strain that requires treatment.
In some people, wearing glasses that are prescribed for specific activities, such as using a computer or reading, can help reduce eye strain. Your doctor may recommend that you regularly and consistently rest your eyes by looking at different distances.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Consider these tips to reduce or prevent eye strain.
Adjust the lighting. When watching TV, your eyes will not be bothered by dim lighting.
When reading or working close up, try to place the light source behind you and direct the light towards your work surface. If you are studying at a desk, use a shaded lamp placed in front of you.
Give your eyes a break. When doing close-up work, take breaks and give your eyes a break by looking away from the digital screen.
Limit screen time. This is especially important for children who do not understand the connection between prolonged screen viewing and eye fatigue and the need to rest their eyes regularly.
Use artificial tears. Artificial tears help prevent and relieve dry eyes. Using them, even if you feel that your eyes are well-hydrated, is recommended to maintain the optimal level of oil and moisture in your eyes and prevent symptoms from recurring.
Your doctor can recommend the best type of eye drops for you. Preservative-free drops can be used as often as needed. If the drops you are using contain preservatives, do not use them more than four times a day. Avoid eye drops that relieve redness, as they may worsen dry eye symptoms.
Improve the quality of your air. Some changes that may help prevent dry eyes include: using a humidifier, adjusting the thermostat to reduce drafts, and avoiding exposure to smoke. If you smoke, quit. If you are exposed to dry air,
Change your position.
Choose the right glasses for you. If you are a computer user and wear glasses or contact lenses, get glasses or lenses that are specifically designed for computer use. Ask your optometrist about lens coatings and tints that may help you.
Tips for Working with a Computer
A common cause of eye strain is computer use. If you are a computer user, these self-care steps can help reduce eye strain to some extent.
Blink frequently to keep your eyes moist. Many people blink less than usual when working on a computer, which can contribute to dry eyes. Blinking produces tears, which keep your eyes moist and refreshed. Try to keep your eyes open when you look at your monitor.
Blink regularly.
Give your eyes a break. Give your eyes a break throughout the day by looking away from your monitor. Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (6 meters) away for at least 20 seconds.
Check the lighting and reduce glare. Bright, harsh light can strain your eyes and make it difficult to see your screen. The most common problems are caused by light sources above or behind you, such as fluorescent lights and sunlight. Turn off some or all of your overhead lights.
If you need light to read or write, use an adjustable desk lamp. Close the curtains and avoid placing your monitor in front of a window or white wall. Install a screen protector over your monitor.
Adjust your monitor. Place your monitor directly in front of you, about an arm’s length away, so the top edge of the monitor is level with your eyes. A height-adjustable chair can help.
Use a paper holder. When typing on a computer, place your printed copy on a paper holder. Some holders are designed to sit between the keyboard and monitor. Others sit next to the monitor. Get one that fits you. The goal is to minimize the number of times you have to readjust your eyes and turn your head and neck.
Optimize your screen settings. For easier reading, make the screen larger and adjust the contrast and brightness so that your eyes don’t strain.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org