Healthy Living

Don’t Let Your Computer Strain Your Eyes

Don’t Let Your Computer Strain Your Eyes

What is eyestrain?

Eyestrain is a common medical condition characterized by an overuse of the eyes, like when driving a long distance, reading for a couple of hours, or using the computer. Staring at the computer screen for a long period of time will increase discomfort in your eyes.

Eyestrain is not serious. However, it can be quite annoying. It can make you feel tired and lower your concentration while working, reading, driving, etc. Eyestrain usually goes away once you stop doing what you are doing and rest the eyes as much as possible. Resting the eyes will lower the discomfort you feel.

Keep in mind, that signs and symptoms of eyestrain can sometimes indicate a serious medical problem of the eyes that needs medical attention.

What are the causes of eyestrain?

  • Looking at the computer screen or any other electrical devices for a long period of time
  • Driving for long distances
  • Being stressed or fatigue
  • Reading for a long period of time without resting the eyes
  • Being exposed to bright light
  • An underlying eye condition

What are the signs and symptoms of eyestrain?

  • Tired eyes that can also be sore and itchy
  • Blurred vision and sometimes even a double vision
  • Watery or dry eyes
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • A feeling that you can’t keep the eyes open
  • Headache
  • Difficulty concentrating

People while using their computers tend to blink less often. Less blinking leads to a dryness of the eyes. Make an effort to blink more often while using your computer or any other electrical device as it will produce tears, moisten and lubricate your eyes at the same time.

How is eyestrain diagnosed?

There is no single examination or test for eyestrain. However, your eye doctor will perform a complete eye examination accompanied with the examination of your vision. A complete medical history and anamnesis will help your doctor diagnose it.

How is eyestrain treated?

There is no single treatment for eyestrain. The most important thing is to change the daily habits and to avoid using computers, electric devices and other things that have led to eyestrain in the first place. Resting the eyes from time to time will lower the discomfort on your eyes and relieve the eyestrain.

For some people, glasses are an option. These glasses are mostly used when performing special activities like when reading a book, watching TV, working on the computer, or tablet.

Regular eye exercises are also recommended in order to help your eyes focus at different distances.

Tips to follow while working on a computer:

  • Don’t forget to blink as it helps lubricate your eyes
  • Take a break every 20 minutes look at something else at a different distance for at least 20 seconds
  • Adjust the monitor
  • Keep your screen clean