Eyestrain

Overview

Eye strain is a very common condition caused when the eyes get tired after concentrating at any work for a long time. It is generally caused after a long time using computers, mobile phones, reading, driving, or any other activity that requires concentration. Although it is an uncomfortable eye condition, it is not serious most of the time. It can go away after some time of rest. Eye strain can be reduced by minimizing some activities and some lifestyle changes. In some of the conditions eye, strain can also work as an alarming sign for other eye conditions that may need treatment.

What Are The Causes Of The Eye Strain?

The most common and the biggest reason behind eye strain is mobile phones, computers, and other screen-based strains known as digital eye strain.

Other common causes of eye strain are:-

• Having poor vision or the presence of other eye conditions like dry eyes.
• Focus and concentration on a task for a long time, like driving and reading, may also result in eye strain.
• Living in an environment having either too dim or too much light can also cause eye strain.

Some of the specific causes of eye strain are:-

• Not maintaining a proper posture during working at the computer.
• Not blinking sufficiently due to concentrated work. It is a fact that we blink less than average during working with focus and concentration.
• You are holding your digital device too close to your eyes.
• The brightness of the digital device is not maintained properly according to the requirement. The brightness of the screen should neither be too bright nor too dim.

What Are The Symptoms Of Eye Strain?

The signs and symptoms of the eye strain may include these:-

• Sore eyes.
• Dry eyes.
• Headache.
• Tired eyes.
• Blurred vision.
• You may feel difficulty concentrating on everything.
• Feeling of itching in eyes.
• Watery eyes.
• The eyes become more sensitive to light.
• Feeling of soreness in shoulder and neck.
• Burning sensation in eyes.

How Eye Strain Is Treated?

Generally, eye strain can be treated by bringing about changes to your lifestyle. Some people may need treatment for some other eye conditions. The doctor may prescribe eyeglasses also to treat the eye strain. These prescribed eyeglasses can be worn during working on computers and reading. The doctor may also recommend some eye drops and some eye ointments for getting relief from irritation and tiredness.

How Can We Prevent Eye Strain?

Some tips we should follow to prevent eye strain are:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: eye strain is caused when you focus on a single work for a long time. For preventing eye strain, you should shift your focus from your work to something else after 20 minutes. The item you shifted your focus to should be at least 20 feet away from your eyes. You should divert your focus for at least 20 seconds. It is called the 20-20-20 rule.
• Correct the position of your screen: another step to reduce the strain on your eyes is that your digital device should be kept at a proper distance and at a proper position from your eyes. the distance between the screen and your eyes should be at least equal to the length of your arm. In addition, the screen should be placed at the level of your eyes or slightly below the level of your eyes.
• Use eye drops: When working on a computer for a long time then, the blinking process is slowed down during working hours, and as a result, this results in eye strain. Using an eye drop will relieve you from eye strain and tired eyes.
• Wear proper eye protection: Using proper eyeglasses can help stop the harmful blue rays from entering your eyes.
• Correct the lightening of your surrounding: The lightening of the environment you are working is very important. The light should not be either too bright or too dim. It should be according to the suitability of the eye such that it would not strain the eyes.