Eye strain is a feeling of pain, fatigue, and discomfort in the eyes resulting from prolonged use, eye muscle fatigue, and infrequent blinking, which can lead to dryness. This condition occurs due to overuse or strain of the eye muscles.
It happens after a period of continuous focus (staring) or when reading or driving for extended periods, which puts more strain on the eyes than usual. Although it can occur naturally, it becomes serious if accompanied by symptoms such as persistent headaches or changes in vision.
What is eye strain
Eye strain is a feeling of tiredness and fatigue in the eyes resulting from overuse and strain of the eye muscles, which occurs from prolonged focus on something like driving or reading, putting more strain on the eyes than usual.
Symptoms of eye strain
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Eye irritation accompanied by excessive tearing or complete dryness.
- Double or blurred vision.
- Severe headache.
- Facial muscle pain.
- Stinging or itching sensation in the eyes. Pain in the back or shoulders.
- Difficulty concentrating on visual tasks.
What are the causes of eye strain
Staring or focusing on something for extended periods is one of the most common causes of eye strain. This results in infrequent blinking, which is essential for lubricating the eyes, leading to dryness and inflammation.
Prolonged exposure to digital screens, reading, and driving are also contributing factors. Sitting near a drafty airflow directed at the face for extended periods, wearing incorrectly prescribed glasses, and insufficient sleep can all cause blurred vision.
Treating eye strain at home
Treatment primarily focuses on resting the eyes. A doctor may prescribe artificial tears to lubricate and prevent dryness, along with promoting more frequent blinking and encouraging other activities to reduce screen time, which can cause eye strain.
A protective eyewear may also be prescribed to shield the eyes from external elements. Wearing or adjusting glasses is recommended, along with taking regular breaks, especially after prolonged computer use or focusing, to minimize eye strain.
Lighting in the workplace can be controlled and adjusted to prevent excessively bright or dim light from straining the eyes. However, in cases of severe or persistent eye strain, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist to determine the appropriate treatment.
Medications that treat eye strain
- Cornetears eye drops
- Systane eye drops
- Solofresh eye drops
- Privacond eye drops
- Blink eye drops
- Cornegel eye drops
- Optiguard eye drops
- Twit Tear eye drops
How to prevent eye strain
Eye strain can be prevented by taking the following precautions and following these tips:
- Wear glasses or contact lenses regularly, according to the prescription provided by your eye doctor.
- Increase your blinking rate to prevent inflammation and dryness of the eyes.
- Choose suitable, non-glaring lighting and ensure good light distribution in the room.
- Use lubricating eye drops when you experience dryness. Adjust the position of your computer screen and move it away from direct eye level.
- Avoid direct drafts, whether hot or cold.
- Wear sunglasses when going out in the sun.
- Clean screens of dust and fingerprints, as these can cause reflections and blurred vision.
- Practice eye exercises to strengthen eye muscles.
- Get enough sleep to rest and rejuvenate your eyes.
Complications of Eye Strain
Neglecting to alleviate eye strain can lead to several complications, especially for those whose work involves screens. These complications include:
- Retinal problems.
- Cataracts.
- Sleep disturbances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between eye strain and nearsightedness
Eye strain occurs as a result of prolonged and excessive eye use, while nearsightedness indicates a problem with the eye's ability to focus clearly.
Can eye strain cause blurred vision
Yes, blurred vision and itching are symptoms of eye strain.
Can using a phone cause eye strain
Yes, prolonged exposure to phone screen light can lead to digital eye strain, which can cause blurred vision and temporary difficulty focusing.
What is the treatment for eye strain caused by phone use
Eye strain from excessive phone use can be treated by adjusting the screen brightness and maintaining a distance of 40-45 cm between your eyes and the phone, while blinking frequently to keep your eyes moist.
Article Summary
Eye strain is a feeling of pain and fatigue in the eyes resulting from prolonged and excessive exposure to digital screens such as phones and computers. While it can occur naturally, it becomes serious if accompanied by symptoms like persistent headaches.
This occurs due to eye muscle fatigue and infrequent blinking, which leads to dryness. Eye strain usually improves with rest and the use of artificial tears to moisturize the eyes and protect them from dryness.