Eyestrain: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

Eyestrain is also known as asthenopia. This is an eye condition with symptoms such as eye fatigue, irritation, or pain. These symptoms normally occur after intense use of digital devices such as computers, mobile phones, and tablets. Eyestrain caused by digital devices is called computer vision syndrome or digital eyestrain.
 

Causes of digital eyestrain include exposing oneself to extended amounts of blue lights, failure to blink often, poor posture while viewing a device, holding a device too close or too far from the eyes, and poor lighting on the screen.
 

Activities such as prolonged reading and driving can strain the eyes as well as staying in a room that is either too dim or too bright. Exposure to dry moving air can also cause eyestrain. Underlying eye problems such as dry eyes can also make a person more susceptible to eyestrain.
 

Although eyestrain is unpleasant, it normally is not serious. It usually goes away on its own if the person removes himself or herself from the activity that is causing the eye discomfort. Sometimes, a good night’s rest is enough to cure eyestrain.

 

Symptoms of Eyestrain

The symptoms of eyestrain usually include:
 

· Itchy or burning eyes

· Watery eyes

· Dry eyes

· Blurred vision

· Headaches

· Light sensitivity

· Neck, shoulder, and back pain

· Difficulty in keeping eyes open

· Inability to concentrate

Treatment of Eyestrain

There is currently no medication or surgery a patient can get to alleviate eyestrain. The best treatment for eyestrain as earlier mentioned is to rest the eyes.
 

Most of the time, you can feel eyestrain coming. To tackle eyestrain before it even begins, always form a habit of taking breaks from intense activities. This can involve focusing on another task for a few minutes at least every hour, taking a walk, or simply closing your eyes for a few minutes. These exercises relax the eyes, face, and neck muscles.
 

When using digital devices, it is important to adjust the screen lighting to a point where it is just bright enough for one to be able to read or watch. If reading, ensure that the font size is not too small or too big. Small font size, especially, strains the eyes. The screen of the digital device that you are using should also be the distance of an arm’s length to ensure that it is not too far or too close to the eye, both of which can strain the eye.
 

Another way to keep eyestrain at bay is to work from a properly lit room. The light should not be too dim or too bright. Although some people may be comfortable operating in dim light, they should know that dim light causes the eyes to strain.
 

Sometimes, persistent eyestrain can be an indication of a vision problem. If the above self-care steps do not relieve your eyestrain, then you should see a doctor. Doctors can sometimes prescribe eye drops. This is because when you concentrate on a screen, you reduce the number of times you blink and this tends to dry the eyes. Eye drops are artificial tears that help moisten the eyes and relieve irritation. Doctors can also recommend eyewear that has a tint to help reduce eyestrain. Medical conditions that lead to eyestrain receive treatment according to the underlying issue.

 

If you have any questions regarding eyestrain or have persistent eyestrain, you can visit Primary Vision Care in any of our Ohio clinics in Newark, Lancaster, Mount Vernon, and Wilmington. You can also call us at (740) 299-1155 to book an appointment.