What Causes Eyestrain?

Eyestrain is a serious but uncomfortable condition. It is quite common and becoming more frequent with the digital age. Everyone experiences eyestrain differently, but it goes away once you give your eyes a chance to rest.

 

You may also need to make some lifestyle changes in addition to other steps to relieve your eyestrain. To understand eyestrain and know whether it affects you, here are some of the signs.

 

Symptoms of Eyestrain

Although eyestrain affects everybody differently, it always includes at least one or more of the following symptoms. Thus, be on the lookout for:

 

• Sore, burning, or itching eyes
   

• Sensitivity to light
   

• Watery or dry eyes
   

• Trouble focusing
   

• Blurry or double vision
   

• Pain in the neck, shoulders, or back
  
   

Causes of Eyestrain

These symptoms of eyestrain may appear only when you perform certain tasks. That is a sign that something in the task is causing your eyes to strain. When you identify the cause of your eyestrain, you may need to stop performing the task. If you are not able to stop, you may need to take precautions or see a doctor for treatment. So, what are the causes of eyestrain?

 

Computer and Digital Device Use

Using computers and digital devices for long periods of time can lead to eyestrain. Optometrists refer to this kind of eyestrain as digital eyestrain or computer vision syndrome. People who use screens for two or more hours are more at risk of experiencing this kind of eyestrain.

 

Digital eyestrain causes your eyes to strain more than reading print material. The reason is that people tend to blink less when using screens. Digital devices also have a glare or reflection that causes your eyes to strain and become sensitive to light.

 

Underlying Conditions

In some cases, eyestrain may result from underlying conditions. These underlying conditions may worsen when you perform certain simple tasks, resulting in eyestrain. These conditions include problems with vision or eye muscle imbalance.

 

In these cases, you may take precautions when performing certain tasks. However, the eyestrain may continue. Get an eye exam to ensure you receive treatment for these conditions. Otherwise, the conditions may worsen.

 

Reading Without Pausing

When reading, it is important to pause occasionally to rest your eyes. To prevent eyestrain, take a break every 20 minutes and shift your focus. What you focus on should be at least 20 feet away. In addition to this, give yourself a break from reading after doing it intensely for some time.

 

Driving Long Distances

When driving long distances, make sure to give yourself regular breaks. Balance driving with something that does not rely heavily on the use and focus of your eyes. Stop at a place with fresh air and take a walk or relax and enjoy some scenery. It will give you the break you need for your eyes to relax.

 

Lack of Proper Eyewear

Sometimes, you may need special lenses or eye therapy to take care of your eyes. It is important to go for regular eye exams to determine if you need to protect your eyes. If you need prescription lenses, the doctor will recommend these for you. You may also need to wear lenses with certain tints or coatings to protect your eyes.


 

For more information on eyestrain, contact Studio Optix at our office in New York, New York. You can call (212) 765-4444 to book an appointment today.

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