Causes and Treatments of Eye Strain

While modern conveniences and lifestyles can drastically improve quality of life, there can be a darker side to some of the activities and technology present today. The way that individuals spend their days can have a profound effect on their bodies for good and also for bad. One symptom that is increasingly seen in connection with modern lifestyles is eye strain. This can be a painful and uncomfortable problem for many professionals, athletes, and students, and is gaining more attention as it affects more and more people

What is Eye Strain?

It is important to note that eye strain itself is not a condition that is diagnosed by a doctor. Rather, it is a symptom of a deeper problem. Eye strain is the accumulation of any uncomfortable or painful sensations that are the result of using the eyes under adverse circumstances for a long period of time. These symptoms are broad and are experienced in different ways by different people and can be both a short term or long term problem.

Symptoms of Eye Strain

Symptoms present themselves in many different ways depending on the patient. Individuals can experience dryness, aching behind the eyes, itching, watering or redness of the eyes, sensitivity to light, and eye twitching. Prolonged aggravation can even result in headaches, blurred vision, double vision, dizziness, and muscle pain in the neck and shoulders.

Causes of Eye Strain

One of the most common causes of eye strain is the use of digital tools such as computers, phones, and tablets. The constant exposure to the bright lights of these devices can cause the eyes to become tired by the end of the day. Other causes can be reading a book, prolonged time in sunlight or fluorescent lighting, or extended time spent in a dimly lit area. Any usage of the eyes in less than ideal conditions can result in this type of discomfort.

Medical causes can include astigmatism (the abnormal curvature of the cornea), myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or any other uncorrected refractive error.

Is Eye Strain Permanent?

Fortunately, eye strain is not a permanent condition. It does not cause lasting damage to the eyes and can be treated using a combination of environmental changes and remedies. Deeper causes may need to be investigated before an effective treatment plan can be set into motion. Strain can be an indication of vision problems that should be addressed by a Denver eye doctor.

How to Avoid Eye Strain

Avoiding eye strain can sometimes be a difficult task. There are many factors that should be considered when attempting to protect the eyes. Environment is one of the biggest factors. One of the best things to try is adjusting the lighting in the room. Light sources should be behind the individual rather than in front for any activity such as reading or using a digital device. Some types of lights are more aggravating on the eyes than others. Bright, florescent light should be reconsidered in favor of softer light.

When using the computer, the settings can be adjusted on the monitor to reduce the brightness and glare. Patients should blink often and take frequent breaks when using an electronic device. It is also helpful to take the time to let your eyes focus on an object that is far away a few times per hour. Eye drops can also be used to help keep the eyes moist throughout the day. It is also important to visit an optometrist on a yearly basis to ensure a correct prescription for glasses or contacts and discuss any changes in vision.

Treatments to Relieve Eye Strain

Many cases of eye strain can be treated by identifying underlying vision problems. Astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia are all usually treated effectively using glasses or contact lenses. More severe cases can be treated using laser surgeries to correct the vision. Often when these vision problems are identified and treated, the eye strain will also significantly decrease. In addition to these treatments, some doctors suggest the use of supplements that help to keep the eyes healthy. Omega-3 fatty acids can promote eye health, and lutein may help to filter blue light when using the computer.

Eye strain can be extremely uncomfortable and can interfere with daily tasks and activities. Thankfully, it is generally a relatively easy problem to resolve. A combination of adjusting the environment, receiving care from a doctor and keeping the eyes healthy using natural tear eye drops and supplements can help to minimize these symptoms.