Symptoms of Eyestrain and How to Prevent It

The older we get, the more tired we feel. Part of the end of the day let down can be a noticeable strain on the eyes. Eye strain, also known as ocular fatigue or asthenopia, occurs when the eyes become tired from prolonged use or overexertion. Common triggers for eye strain include reading without adequate lighting, driving long distances especially at night, focusing on small objects or fine details for extended periods, using screens or reading materials at improper distances, and extended screen time on computers, phones and tablets, often referred to as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. While causes vary, symptoms of eye strain and how to prevent it are important to pinpoint and remedy as eye strain may indicate an underlying vision problem or the need for corrective lenses. 

Common signs of eye strain include the following:

1. Eye Discomfort and Fatigue: Eyes may feel tired, sore or achy, particularly after focusing on a task for an extended period.
2. Headaches: Eye strain can lead to tension headaches, often described as a dull ache around the eyes or forehead. The headache may worsen with continued eye use.
3. Blurred or Double Vision: Vision may become blurry, making it difficult to focus on objects, especially after prolonged periods of reading or screen time. In some cases, double vision (seeing 2 images instead of 1) can occur.
4. Dry or Watery Eyes: Eye strain can cause the eyes to feel dry or irritated. Alternatively, some people may experience watery eyes as a reflex response to the dryness.
5. Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia): Eyes may become more sensitive to light, causing discomfort in brightly lit environments or when looking at screens.
6. Difficulty Focusing: It may become challenging to focus on close-up or distant objects and switching focus between different distances can take longer than usual.
7. Neck, Shoulder or Back Pain: Prolonged eye strain, particularly from poor posture while using a computer or mobile device, can lead to muscle tension and discomfort in the neck, shoulders, or back.
8. Eye Redness or Irritation: Eyes may appear red or bloodshot due to overuse, dryness or irritation caused by straining to focus.
9. Increased Blinking or Squinting: Blinking more frequently or squinting can be a subconscious response to try to improve focus or reduce discomfort.
10. Difficulty Keeping Eyes Open: Eyes may feel heavy or fatigued to the point where it is difficult to keep them open, especially after long periods of reading or screen time.

Prevention tips for eye strain are simple. Ensure proper lighting to reduce glare and to avoid squinting. Keep your eyes nourished and hydrated by blinking more frequently and using artificial tears as needed. Place a warm compress over the eyes as a natural relaxer for eye muscles that also promotes blood flow that may alleviate fatigue and irritation. Use an ergonomic setup for screens, maintaining eye level about an arm’s length away. Take recurring breaks, utilizing the 20-20-20 rule to look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes. 

While eye strain is usually a temporary and manageable condition, there are scenarios where eye strain may suggest a more significant concern such as binocular vision dysfunction, systemic health issues like diabetes or hypertension, neurological issues, certain persistent eye conditions like dry eye syndrome or glaucoma and chronic allergy or sinus issues. Regular eye exams and attention to ongoing symptoms can help ensure that any potential eye issues are addressed promptly, protecting both vision and overall health. 
For a comprehensive eye exam to discuss symptoms of eye strain and how to prevent it, contact Skyline Vision Clinic at 719-630-3937 or WEBSITE.