Eyestrain

Overview

Eyestrain is a common condition that occurs when your eyes get tired from intense use, such as while driving long distances or staring at digital device screens for extended periods. Symptoms of eyestrain can include sore, tired, burning, or itching eyes; watery or dry eyes; blurred or double vision; headache; sore neck, shoulders, or back; increased sensitivity to light; difficulty concentrating; and feeling that you cannot keep your eyes open. Eyestrain is usually not serious and goes away with rest or other measures to reduce discomfort. However, in some cases, eyestrain symptoms can indicate an underlying eye condition that requires treatment. Causes of eyestrain may include looking at digital device screens, reading without resting your eyes, driving long distances, exposure to bright light or glare, straining to see in dim light, having an underlying eye problem, being stressed or fatigued, and being exposed to dry moving air. Extended use of computers and digital devices is a common cause of eyestrain, known as computer vision syndrome or digital eyestrain.

Understanding the disease

Symptoms

Symptoms of eyestrain include sore, tired, burning or itching eyes, watery or dry eyes, blurred or double vision, headache, sore neck, shoulders, or back, increased sensitivity to light (photophobia), difficulty concentrating, and feeling that you cannot keep your eyes open. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it's recommended to visit an eye specialist.

Risk Factors

Risk factors associated with an increased risk of eyestrain include:

1. Looking at digital device screens
2. Reading without pausing to rest your eyes
3. Driving long distances or engaging in activities involving focusing for extended periods
4. Being exposed to bright light or glare
5. Straining to see in very dim light
6. Having an underlying eye problem, such as dry eyes or uncorrected vision (refractive error)
7. Being stressed or fatigued
8. Being exposed to dry moving air from a fan, a heating system, or an air-conditioning system. It's important to take breaks and practice good eye care habits to reduce the risk of eyestrain. If self-care steps don't relieve your eyestrain, consider seeing an eye specialist.

Development

Eyestrain can develop due to a variety of factors, including extended use of digital devices, reading without resting your eyes, driving for long periods, exposure to bright light or glare, straining to see in dim light, and having underlying eye problems like dry eyes or uncorrected vision (refractive error). Blinking less while using computers is also a contributing factor, as blinking is essential for moistening the eyes. Presbyopia, an age-related condition, can also cause eyestrain as the lenses in the eyes become less flexible and less transparent over time, making it difficult to focus on close-up images.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Triage

You should see a doctor if eyestrain symptoms persist despite self-care steps, or if you experience additional symptoms that could indicate an underlying eye problem, such as blurred vision, difficulty with night vision, headaches, or squinting. In such cases, an eye specialist can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Management and Treatment

Complications

Eyestrain can cause various complications, including:

1. Eye strain or fatigue: Prolonged eyestrain can lead to eye strain or fatigue, causing discomfort and tiredness.
2. Dry eyes: Staring at screens or focusing for extended periods can reduce blinking, leading to dry eyes.
3. Blurred vision: Eyestrain can cause temporary blurred vision due to fatigue or focusing difficulties.
4. Headaches: Frequent eyestrain can result in headaches, particularly around the temples.
5. Neck, shoulder, or back pain: Craning your neck to look at screens or maintaining a fixed gaze for long periods can lead to discomfort in the neck, shoulders, or back.
6. Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia): Eyestrain can cause a heightened sensitivity to light, making it difficult to tolerate bright environments.
7. Difficulty concentrating: Eyestrain can impact cognitive function, making it challenging to focus or concentrate on tasks. It is essential to practice proper eye care and take frequent breaks to reduce the risk of these complications. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult an eye specialist.

Prevention

eyestrain can be prevented through various measures such as taking frequent breaks while using digital devices, practicing the 20-20-20 rule (looking away from the screen every 20 minutes to focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds), using proper lighting, wearing appropriate eyewear, and following proper eye care routines. Additionally, maintaining overall eye health through regular eye exams and managing any underlying medical conditions can help prevent eyestrain.

Home Remedies

Home remedies suggested for eyestrain are:

1. Take eye breaks during long tasks: If you're reading or doing another task that requires visual concentration, take periodic eye breaks. Close your eyes for a few minutes or blink repeatedly for a few seconds to help spread your tears evenly over your eyes.
2. Avoid air blowing in your eyes: Don't direct hair dryers, car heaters, air conditioners, or fans toward your eyes.
3. Add moisture to the air: In winter, use a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air.
4. Wear protective eyewear: Consider wearing wraparound sunglasses or other protective eyewear with safety shields to block wind and dry air.
5. Be aware of your environment: The air at high altitudes, in desert areas, and in airplanes can be extremely dry. Frequently closing your eyes for a few minutes at a time may help minimize evaporation of your tears.
6. Position your computer screen below eye level: If your computer screen is above eye level, it will force you to open your eyes wider. Position your computer screen below eye level to help slow the evaporation of your tears between eye blinks.
7. Use artificial tears regularly: If you have chronic dry eyes, use eye drops even when your eyes feel fine to keep them well-lubricated.

Treatment

Treatments for eyestrain usually involve self-care measures and adjustments to your daily activities. Here are some suggestions:

1. Rest your eyes: Take regular breaks if you're using digital devices or engaging in activities that require intense focus. Close your eyes for a few minutes or take a short nap to give your eyes a break.
2. Adjust screen settings: On your digital devices, adjust the brightness, contrast, and font size to make the text and images easier on your eyes.
3. Proper lighting: Ensure that you have adequate lighting when reading or using digital devices to reduce glare and eye strain.
4. Blink often: Remember to blink frequently while using digital devices or while reading, as this helps to moisten your eyes.
5. Wear appropriate glasses or contacts: If you have an uncorrected vision problem or dry eyes, wearing the appropriate glasses or contacts can help alleviate eyestrain.
6. Artificial tears: Over-the-counter artificial tears can help to moisten your eyes and alleviate dryness.
7. Ergonomic adjustments: Ensure that your workspace is set up in a way that promotes proper posture and reduces eye strain. This may involve adjusting the height of your screen, using a document holder, or wearing appropriate glasses with safety shields.
8. Relax and reduce stress: Try to manage stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help alleviate eyestrain.
9. Humidify the environment: Using a humidifier, especially during winter months or in dry environments, can help add moisture to the air and reduce eyestrain. If self-care measures do not relieve your eyestrain, it may be necessary to see an eye specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

Preparing for medical consultation

To prepare for an appointment for eyestrain, follow these steps:

1. List your symptoms: Make a note of the specific symptoms you've been experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to eyestrain.
2. Gather medical information: Prepare a list of any other medical conditions you have and any medications, vitamins, or supplements you're currently taking.
3. Keep a daily log: Maintain a log of the time you spend on activities that strain your eyes, such as using digital devices, reading, and being exposed to glare.
4. Prepare questions for your doctor: Compile a list of questions to ask your eye specialist during your appointment. This will help you make the most of your time and ensure you cover all necessary topics.
5. Bring a companion: Consider bringing a family member or friend along to your appointment, especially if you'll need someone to drive you home after your pupils have been dilated. Remember to be open and honest with your doctor about your symptoms and concerns. This information will help your doctor provide the best possible guidance and treatment recommendations.