What is eye fatigue? When should you seek help from an optometrist for eyestrain?

Published on 10 April 2023

Eye fatigue is known as eye strain, a common factor when the eyes are exhausted from continued use for hours, linked with a routine using computers, and mobile devices, driving a vehicle, or other visually challenging chores.

You might often feel tired, blurred vision, and dry or irritated eyes, and if this is happening to you, you may be experiencing eye fatigue or Eyestrain. Eye fatigue is a common ailment that affects people of all ages. 

This article will discuss eyestrain and what to do about it. However, the best person to answer all your questions is your optometrist.

Causes of eye fatigue

Several factors contribute to eye fatigue. Below are some causes that you need to be well aware of.

Prolonged focusing: When you focus on an object for an extended period, such as when reading, working on a computer, or driving, the muscles in your eyes can become strained and fatigued.

Poor lighting: Working or reading in low light conditions or under glare can cause eye strain and fatigue.

Screen time: The blue light emitted by electronic screens, such as those on computers, smartphones, and tablets, can cause eye strain and fatigue.

Dry eyes: When your eyes do not produce enough tears to keep them moist, they can become dry and irritated, leading to eye fatigue.

Allergies: Allergies can cause itching, watering, and redness in the eyes, which can lead to eye fatigue.

Eye conditions: Certain eye conditions, such as astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness, can cause eye strain and fatigue.

Fatigue and stress: Being tired or stressed can make it more difficult for your eyes to focus and lead to eye fatigue. 

Symptoms of eye fatigue

Eye strain symptoms may vary from person to person, and If you are experiencing Eye stress, you are likely to experience below mentioned common symptoms, which comprise:

Dry or irritated eyesore eyes

Difficulty in keeping eyes open

Blurry vision eyes 

Burning or Itching eyes

Difficulty in focusing

Shoulder or neck pain

Eye fatigue can also cause sore necks, back and shoulders, headaches, and increased difficulty concentrating.  

Treatments for eye fatigue

Here are some remedies for justifying eye fatigue and strain: 

1- Adjust your computer and mobile screen brightness 

With the help of Screen Filters, you can adjust the brightness of your computer and mobile device and reduce eye strain stress.

2- Use of the 20-20-20 rule 

Eye strain stress can be reduced by following the 20-20-20 rule. Take a break to focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds after every 20 minutes during work on a computer or other digital devices. 

3- Working conditions improvement 

Setting up an ergonomic office desk, you can manage a great work environment while sitting and working at the correct angle for hours to avoid eye fatigue. 

4- Visit a qualified optometrist 

While experiencing extended symptoms of eye strain stress, talk to your optometrist, who can provide recommendations to reduce eye fatigue.

Are you struggling with eye fatigue? Book an appointment with a Pineault & Rouleau optician.

 

Jacinthe Laurendeau Optician

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