Do your eyes feel tired? Let's find out exactly what Eye Strain is!

Do you also feel a lot of strain and fatigue in your eyes after working on your phone or laptop all day, or after reading a book or watching TV for a long time? Sometimes your eyes hurt, itch, and even watery, right? This has actually become a common thing for many people these days. We simply call this 'eye strain' or, as it is called in medical terms , (Eye Strain) . Some also call it (Asthenopia) .

What exactly is eye strain?

Simply put, Eye Strain is a discomfort that occurs when we use our eyes for a long time, intensely. Imagine, we drive a car for a long time, or stare at a computer screen for hours, or read a book with small print. At times like these, our eyes feel very tired.

Actually, this (Eye Strain) is a bit uncomfortable. It means that the eyes hurt, itch, and sometimes the head hurts. But most of the time, this is not a serious illness . So there is nothing to worry about. Just like when we work hard all day, our eyes also get tired.

However, if you are not getting relief from simple home remedies (for example, using artificial tears , changing your work habits), it could be a sign of a more serious eye condition. That's why it's always a good idea to get an eye exam .

What are the main causes of eye strain?

Nowadays, the main cause of eye strain is the prolonged use of digital devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets. This is specifically called (Digital Eye Strain) . This can be temporary, or sometimes it can last for a long time.

In fact, this eye strain is very common these days. We all have experienced eye strain at the end of the day. In particular, this condition called (Digital Eye Strain) can now be seen among many people. Surveys show that two out of three people in countries like America report symptoms of this (Digital Eye Strain). This situation is now the same in Sri Lanka.

What are the symptoms we feel when our eyes are tired?

(Eye Strain) Symptoms can affect not only our eyes, but also other parts of the body. Let's see what these symptoms are.

Symptoms affecting the eyes:

• Watery eyes
• Dry eyes
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light, meaning difficulty looking at light
• Burning eyes
• Itching eyes
• Difficulty keeping your eyes open

Symptoms affecting other parts of the body:

• Headache
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Back pain
• Difficulty concentrating

Do you have any of these symptoms? Then it could be due to eye strain.

Why do our eyes get so tired? What are the reasons?

Eyestrain occurs mainly because we keep our eyes focused on a task. Think about things like this:

• Continuous driving: Especially at night or when traveling long distances.
• Reading books: When you stare at small print for hours.
• Computer and mobile phone use: This is the main reason nowadays.
• Playing video games: Because you have to stare at the screen all the time.
• Fine work: When using a sewing machine, doing crafts, or writing.
• Working in low light conditions: Working in a place with insufficient light causes more strain on the eyes.
• Reduced eye blinking: When we are focused on something, especially when looking at a screen, we blink less often. This can cause dry eyes.

Additionally, if you already have an eye condition (for example, poorly corrected nearsightedness or an imbalance in the eye muscles), you are at higher risk of developing eye strain. Stress and fatigue can also contribute to eye strain.

How does digital screen cause eye strain?

There are several specific causes of digital eye strain. Researchers have found that when people use computers or other digital screens, they blink significantly less . This can lead to dry eyes and eye strain.

Also, glare from the screens of digital devices, or insufficient contrast between the text on the screen and the background, can cause eye strain. This can also be caused by the appropriate viewing distance from the screen and insufficient lighting in the surrounding environment.

The most important thing you can do at times like this is to use eye drops, such as artificial tears, to reduce the dryness of the eyes.

What are the risk factors for eyestrain?

There are several factors that increase the risk of developing eye strain:

• Working in front of a computer or other screen for hours.
• Engaging in tasks that require constant focus.
• Having dry eyes.
• Having some problem with the eye muscles.
• Driving long distances, especially if the wind from the vehicle's heater or AC hits your eyes directly.

How to recognize eye strain?

In most cases, eye strain will go away on its own without any treatment . In such cases, you may not need to see a doctor. You can control the condition by making some simple changes to your lifestyle and being a little more aware of what activities are causing strain on your eyes.

However, if your eye strain is severe or has been present for a long time , it's definitely a good idea to see a doctor to make sure it's not another serious condition.

A doctor, especially an ophthalmologist, can diagnose eye strain right in your office. At this time, the doctor will ask you questions like:

• What are your symptoms?
• When did these symptoms start?
• When are these symptoms most common?
• What kind of work were you doing when these symptoms occurred?

The doctor will also examine your eyes to check for eye muscle imbalances and uncorrected vision problems (e.g., nearsightedness (Myopia) and farsightedness (Hyperopia) ).

What do we do about this eye strain? Treatment and management

For the most part, you can control eye strain by making some simple changes to your lifestyle and work habits. For example:

• Wearing glasses or contact lenses for certain tasks (such as reading, using a computer).
• Taking frequent breaks while doing tasks such as reading, writing, and driving.
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eye strain caused by digital screens.
• What is the 20-20-20 rule? It's very simple. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something about 20 feet away. This gives your eyes a good rest.

Other management tips:

• Using lubricating eye drops or artificial tears .
• Adjusting the lighting in the room to suit the work you are doing.
• Using a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air (especially if you are in an AC room).
• Quit smoking . Smoking is very bad for your eyes.

Can eye strain cause other complications?

Although (Eye Strain) is a very annoying and uncomfortable thing, most of the time it does not develop into a dangerous condition . It is just an annoyance. However, when talking about (Digital Eye Strain), we also have to think a little about blue light and how it affects our eyes.

Most of the blue light we see comes from the sun. Sunlight comes in different colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet). The blue part of this spectrum has the most energy and the shortest wavelength.

Blue light, emitted from digital devices and some light bulbs, is essential for eye development, visual function, and overall health. Some researchers believe that the recent increase in myopia (nearsightedness) is due to insufficient exposure to sunlight.

However, some researchers believe that excessive exposure to blue light can damage the retina over time . Scientists are still researching the effects of this blue light. Therefore, you can also consider using blue light filtering glasses when looking at computer screens.

What can we do to prevent eye strain?

These things can help prevent or reduce the risk of eye strain:

• Choose a monitor that can tilt and swivel the screen up and down.
• Always keep your screen (and lens) clean , as dirt and stains reduce the contrast of the screen.
• Use a glare filter to reduce the brightness coming from the screen.
• Use the room's lighting appropriately and reduce screen brightness .
• Use a good adjustable chair .
• Adjust the air from the vehicle's heater or AC so that it does not hit your eyes directly.
• Use lubricating eye drops when your eyes feel dry. Use as directed by your doctor.
• Remember to blink frequently .
• Limit the time you spend using digital devices as much as possible.
• If you wear contact lenses, follow your eye doctor's instructions carefully on how to clean and use them.

What happens if I have (Eye Strain)?

In most cases, the condition will improve quickly once you stop doing the things that are causing your eyestrain.

However, if your eyestrain doesn't ease quickly, or if you feel like your eyes are constantly tired, definitely talk to a doctor.

If you notice any changes in your vision (including frequent or prolonged eye strain), it's always best to get an eye exam .

When should I see a doctor?

It's important to see an eye doctor regularly to get your eyes checked . Ask your doctor how often. If your eye strain is interfering with your daily activities or affecting your health, you should definitely see an eye doctor for advice.

When should I go to the emergency room?

If you have new or severe eye pain , especially if it comes on suddenly, seek medical advice immediately. If you suddenly lose your vision , go to an emergency room immediately. These are not things to play with.

What should I ask my doctor?

When you talk to a doctor about eye strain, you might ask questions like these:

• What do you suggest I do to prevent eye strain?
• Is there a specific type of artificial tears or other eye drops that you recommend?
• What are your favorite home remedies for eye strain?
• When should I contact you about eye strain or other eye health issues?

Eye strain is something we all experience, especially these days when we use digital devices for work and play. While it can be uncomfortable and annoying, it's not necessarily dangerous. If you're experiencing eye strain, the first thing you should do is get an eye exam. Then, with the advice of your eye doctor, making some small changes to your lifestyle and environment can help you get relief.

Take-Home Message

Okay, so to make it easier for you to remember some of the most important points from what we've talked about, let me say this:

• Eye Strain is a common condition: It can occur especially in people who use computers and phones for a long time, read books continuously, and drive.
• Don't worry too much: Most of the time, this isn't a serious condition. But if it persists or is severe, see a doctor.
• Remember the 20-20-20 rule: If you work in front of a computer, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
• Give your eyes a break: Don't work continuously, take short breaks.
• Keep good lighting: The place where you work and read should be well lit.
• Use Artificial Tears: If your eyes are dry, using these can provide relief.
• Be careful with blue light: If possible, use blue light-filtering glasses.
• Get your eyes checked regularly: It's a good idea to see an eye doctor at least once a year.

So, I hope these tips will help you take care of your eyes!

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