Have you ever noticed that your eyes feel tired or strained after a long day of work or an afternoon spent scrolling through digital screens? You are not alone! In fact, eye fatigue is becoming increasingly common due to the amount of time we spend looking at screens. Let’s explore the symptoms and causes as well as ways to treat it.
What are the symptoms of eye fatigue?
The first step to understanding eye fatigue is recognizing its symptoms. These may include blurry vision, difficulty focusing, eyestrain, headaches, dry eyes, redness in the eyes, heaviness in the eyelids, and sensitivity to light. If you experience any of these symptoms regularly, it is important to talk to your eye doctor about what may be causing it.
What causes eye fatigue?
There are several possible causes of eye fatigue. Common culprits include:
- Prolonged exposure to digital devices such as computers and smartphones
- Inadequate lighting
- Working long hours without taking breaks
- Allergies
- Wearing contact lenses for too long
- Problems with your eyeglass or contact lens prescription
- Pre-existing vision problems such as astigmatism or farsightedness
It is important to identify what’s causing your eye fatigue so that you can treat it effectively.
How do you treat eye fatigue?
The best treatment for eye fatigue is to take frequent breaks from screen use throughout the day. This will typically ease discomfort and reduce eye strain. Additionally, using lubricating eyedrops can improve dryness and discomfort caused by extended periods of computer use. Adjusting the lighting in your workspace and wearing computer glasses that filter out blue light can also help manage eye fatigue over time.
If you’re experiencing eye fatigue, it is a good idea to schedule a comprehensive eye exam to make sure there isn’t a serious underlying issue. During the exam, your eye doctor will assess your overall eye health and vision and look for early signs of a range of eye diseases and other conditions. They will most likely test your visual acuity and the pressure in your eye. They will also do a refraction as uncorrected refraction errors make it difficult to see clearly, causing you to squint and strain your eyes. Depending on the results of the exam, they may suggest wearing corrective lenses or other treatments to help alleviate discomfort.
With the right treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs, you can get back to living life without the uncomfortable symptoms of eye fatigue! Call us today to schedule an appointment at our office in Elkhorn and learn how we can help you relieve eye strain and fatigue.
