“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Eyestrain, also known as asthenopia, is a common condition that occurs when the eyes become fatigued due to prolonged use or other causes. It can cause discomfort, pain, or a burning sensation in the eyes and may be accompanied by headache or neck pain.
There are many possible causes of eyestrain, including:
To prevent eyestrain, it is important to take frequent breaks when performing tasks that require prolonged use of the eyes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends following the 20-20-20 rule, which involves taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away. It is also important to make sure that the working environment is properly lit and free from glare.
Other measures to prevent eyestrain include:
If eyestrain persists despite these measures, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as double vision or vision loss, it is important to see an eye doctor for an evaluation.
Common causes of eyestrain include:
Extended use of computers and other digital devices is one of the most common causes of eyestrain. The American Optometric Association calls this computer vision syndrome, or digital eyestrain. People who look at screens two or more hours in a row every day have the greatest risk of this condition.
Computer use strains eyes more than reading print material because people tend to:
In some cases, an underlying eye problem, such as eye muscle imbalance or uncorrected vision, can cause or worsen computer eyestrain.
Some other factors that can make the condition worse include:
Generally, treatment for eyestrain consists of making changes in your daily habits or environment. Some people may need treatment for an underlying eye condition.
For some people, wearing glasses that are prescribed for specific activities, such as for computer use or for reading, helps reduce eyestrain. Your doctor may suggest that you take regular eye breaks to help your eyes focus at different distances.