Description

Eye fatigue is a common condition that occurs when your eyes get tired from intense use, such as while driving long distances or staring at computer screens and other digital devices.

Eyestrain can be annoying. But usually is not serious and goes away once you rest your eyes or take other steps to reduce your eye discomfort. In some cases, symptoms of eyestrain can indicate an underlying eye disease that needs treatment.

Symptoms

Eye strain symptoms include:

  • Sore, tired, burning or itching in the eyes
  • The tearing or dryness of the eyes
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Headache
  • Pain in the neck, shoulders or back
  • Increased sensitivity to light, which is called photophobia
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • The feeling that you can't keep your eyes open

When to see a doctor

See a specialist in the case of measures of self-care does not relieve the tiredness of the eyes.

Causes

The common causes of visual fatigue are:

  • Looking at the screens of digital devices
  • The reading without stopping to rest the eyes
  • Driving long distances and doing other activities that involve focusing on, for a long time
  • Being exposed to bright light or glare
  • Effort to see in very dim light
  • Have a underlying problem of the eyes, such as dryness of the eyes or the vision is not corrected, called refractive error
  • Being stressed or tired
  • Being exposed to dry air movement of a fan, a heating system or air conditioning system

Computer and digital device use

The long-term use of computers and other digital devices is one of the most common causes of visual fatigue. The American Optometric Association to call this computer vision syndrome. Also called digital eye fatigue. People you see in the screens of two hours or more in a row every day have the highest risk of this condition.

The use of the computer strains eyes more than reading material for print, because people tend to:

  • Flicker-less, while the use of computers, and the flicker is the key to moisten the eyes
  • See digital screens to less-than-ideal distances or angles
  • The use of devices that have glare or reflection
  • The use of devices with little contrast between the text and the background.

In some cases, an underlying problem of the eyes, such as eye muscle imbalance or lack of vision correction, can cause or worsen the computer vision syndrome.

Some other factors that can worsen the condition include:

  • The reflections on the screen
  • Poor posture
  • The installation of a working team
  • The circulation of air, such as air conditioning or near a fan

Complications

The tiredness of the view has no serious or long-term consequences, but it can be annoying and unpleasant. It can make you tired and hinder your ability to concentrate.

Diagnosis

Your ophthalmologist will ask you questions about the factors that could be causing your symptoms. You can have an eye exam during their visit, including a vision test.

Treatment

Generally, the treatment of presbyopia involves making changes in your daily habits or environment. Some people may need treatment for an underlying disease of the eyes.

For some people, wearing glasses that are prescribed for specific activities, such as the use of the computer, or reading, helps to reduce visual fatigue. Your ophthalmologist may suggest that you take regular eye breaks to help your eyes focus at different distances.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Consider these tips to reduce or prevent visual fatigue.

  • Adjust the lighting.When watching tv, it can be easier on the eyes if you keep the room softly lit. When the reading of the printed materials or doing close work, try placing the light source behind you and to direct the light in your page or task. If you're reading on a desktop, use a light shade placed in front of you.The shadow is going to avoid the light that shines in your eyes.
  • Take breaks. When reading or doing close work, take occasional breaks and rest your eyes looking away from the page, the screen or task.
  • Limit screen time. This is especially important for children, who can not make the connection between the prolonged observation, visual fatigue, and the need to rest your eyes regularly.
  • The use of artificial tears.Artificial tears can help prevent and relieve dryness of the eye. The use of them, even when your eyes feel fine to keep them well lubricated and prevent a recurrence of the symptoms. Your ophthalmologist may suggest that the eye drops might be best for you. Avoid eye drops with redness removal, as these can worsen the symptoms of dry eye. Eye drops that contain no preservatives and can be used as often as you need. If the use of eye drops that contain preservatives, you can develop a sensitivity to the preservative if you use the drops more than four times a day. If this occurs, change to the preservatives in eye drops may be helpful. However, do not use more than four times a day.
  • Improve the air quality of your space. Some of the changes that can help to prevent dryness of the eye include the use of a humidifier, set the thermostat to reduce the blowing of air and to avoid the smoke. If you smoke, consider quitting. Moving his chair to a different area can help reduce the amount of dry air movement in the eyes and face.
  • Choosing the right glasses for you. If you need glasses or contact lenses, and working on a computer, consider investing in glasses or contact lenses specifically designed to work with the team. Ask your optometrist about lens coatings and tints that can help also.

Adjust the lighting. When watching tv, it can be easier on the eyes if you keep the room softly lit.

When the reading of the printed materials or doing close work, try placing the light source behind you and to direct the light in your page or task. If you're reading on a desktop, use a light shade placed in front of you. The shadow is going to avoid the light that shines in your eyes.

The use of artificial tears. Artificial tears can help prevent and relieve dryness of the eye. The use of them, even when your eyes feel fine to keep them well lubricated and prevent a recurrence of the symptoms.

Your ophthalmologist may suggest that the eye drops might be best for you. Avoid eye drops with redness removal, as these can worsen the symptoms of dry eye.

Eye drops that contain no preservatives and can be used as often as you need. If the use of eye drops that contain preservatives, you can develop a sensitivity to the preservative if you use the drops more than four times a day. If this occurs, change to the preservatives in eye drops may be helpful. However, do not use more than four times a day.

Tips for working with the team

The use of the computer is a common cause of visual fatigue. If you work at a desk and use a computer, these self-care measures can help take some of the stress of your eyes.

  • Blink often to refresh your eyes. Many people blink less than usual when working on a computer, which can contribute to dry eyes. Blinking produces tears that moisten and refresh your eyes. Try to make it a habit to blink more often when looking at a monitor.
  • Take eye breaks. Throughout the day, give your eyes a break by the look of your monitor. Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
  • Check the lighting and reduce glare.Bright lighting and much brightness can strain your eyes and make it difficult to see objects on your monitor. The worst problems are generally of sources above or behind you, including the fluorescent lighting, and the light of the sun. Consider turning off some or all of the lights in the room. If you need the light from the writing or the reading, the use of an adjustable desk lamp. Close blinds or curtains, and avoid placing the monitor directly in front of a window or on a white wall. Place an anti-glare cover on the screen.
  • Adjust your monitor. Place the monitor directly in front of you, about an arm's length away, so that the top of the screen is at or below the level of the eyes. It also helps to have a chair that can be adjusted.
  • The use of a document holder. If you need to make reference to print media while you work on your computer, place it in a support document. Some holders are designed to be placed between the keyboard and the monitor; the other placed at the side. Find the one that works for you. The goal is to reduce the amount of their eyes need to adjust and how often you turn your neck and head.
  • Adjust the settings of the screen. Broaden the type for easier reading. And adjust the contrast and brightness to a level that is comfortable for you.

Check the lighting and reduce glare. Bright lighting and much brightness can strain your eyes and make it difficult to see objects on your monitor. The worst problems are generally of sources above or behind you, including the fluorescent lighting, and the light of the sun. Consider turning off some or all of the lights in the room.

If you need the light from the writing or the reading, the use of an adjustable desk lamp. Close blinds or curtains, and avoid placing the monitor directly in front of a window or on a white wall. Place an anti-glare cover on the screen.

Alternative medicine

Some visual fatigue, the symptoms can be relieved with natural products, such as omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, but more studies are needed. Talk with your ophthalmologist if you are considering supplements to help relieve your symptoms.

Preparing for your appointment

If you have discomfort in the eyes, headache or changes in vision that does not improve with self-care, make an appointment with an eye specialist.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

  • List of the symptoms that I had and for how long.
  • The list of your key medical information, including any other medical conditions and medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
  • Keep a daily record of the time you spend on activities that strain your eyes, like looking at digital devices, reading and exposure to glare.
  • List of questions to ask during your appointment. Creating a list of questions can help you make the most of your time.

To eyestrain, some basic questions to ask include:

  • What is likely causing my symptoms?
  • What are other possible causes?
  • Do I need any tests to confirm the diagnosis?
  • What treatment approach do you recommend?
  • What changes can I make in my work or in the home, including my desktop computer, to help reduce the symptoms?
  • What other self-care measures might help me?
  • I need to go back for a follow-up appointment?

What to expect from your doctor

Your ophthalmologist may ask a series of questions, such as:

  • What are your symptoms?
  • When did you first notice these symptoms?
  • The symptoms changed over time?
  • How serious is the discomfort?
  • Does the use of a computer? If so, how is it configured?
  • Do you work in an environment with air conditioning or a fan, ventilation or blow air around your face?
  • How much time do you spend on digital devices each day?
  • Is there anything in particular seem to trigger your symptoms?
  • Is there anything that will help alleviate your symptoms?
  • When was your last eye exam?
Symptoms and treatment of Eyestrain