Eyestrain is a common condition, especially these days when most people spend hours upon hours on their digital devices. Even though eyestrain is not unusual, it’s still uncomfortable and can affect your ability to be productive. Fortunately, eyestrain can be treated with simple methods like taking short breaks and using the right lights.
Let’s learn more about eyestrain and the best ways to prevent it from happening to you.
Understanding Eyestrain and its Symptoms
Eyestrain occurs when your eyes get tired from intense use, such as driving long distances or looking at your computer screen too long. Thankfully, eyestrain usually goes away once you rest your eyes and is typically not a cause for concern.
The most common symptoms of eyestrain are:
- Sore, tired or burning eyes
- Watery or dry eyes
- Blurred or double vision
- Headaches
- Sore neck and shoulders
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Trouble concentrating
- Difficulty keeping eyes open
How Can I Prevent eyestrain?
Just because eyestrain is common doesn’t mean you have to suffer with it. Below are some tips for preventing eyestrain while working or doing the things you love.
- Look away frequently. Give your eyes breaks every 20 minutes. The 20-20-20 rule is good to follow, as it encourages you to focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Here are a few more exercises you can try.
- Position your screen correctly. Whether at home or at work, be sure that your screen is positioned correctly. This means having your screen at the correct distance from your eyes (about arm’s length). Enlarging the font is also helpful.
- Choose the best lighting. The right lighting makes a difference in preventing eye fatigue, as lights that are too dim or too bright can cause strain. Eye specialists recommend warm light, which includes natural filtered light and LED lights.
- Use eye drops. If your job requires you to be in front of a screen all day, consider using eye drops to combat your symptoms. When you’re using a digital device, you blink less often, drying out your eyes. Eye drops can restore moisture, though make an effort to blink more often, too!
- Improve your air quality. It’s possible that your eyes are drying out due to the air quality in your home or office. Dry or polluted environments can cause eyestrain and may induce dry eye syndrome in humans. Luckily, you can help your symptoms by using a humidifier.
Still Suffering from Eyestrain? Contact Your Retina Specialist.
Anyone who spends a great deal of time on a focused activity is at risk for eyestrain. Even though eyestrain isn’t a serious problem, it can still make it difficult to work comfortably. To learn more about eyestrain and its effects on your eyes, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. Making healthy choices today can leave you with better eyes in the future!