Eye strain – technically referred to as “asthenopia” – is becoming increasingly common in recent years as we continue to rely on countless forms of screen-based technology. Eye strain can occur in one or both of your eyes, and it often leads to chronic headaches, blurred vision, dry or burning eyes, and sore neck muscles.
While eye strain usually goes away with sleep and rest, it is sometimes a symptom of a larger underlying problem, such as eye muscle imbalance or a refractive error. If you frequently suffer from eye strain, you should visit your eye doctor to be tested for additional problems.
The number one cause of eye strain today is computer vision syndrome (CVS), but eye strain is also often caused by:
- Reading
- Failure to blink
- Visual tasks performed in dim lighting
The pain associated with eye strain can be significantly reduced if you take the time to perform eye exercises whenever you are sitting at a computer or performing visually intensive work. It is best to take frequent breaks from your computer throughout the day. Try to perform eye exercises every 20 minutes. Closing your eyes for a bit and blinking frequently can also help reduce your symptoms. If your eye strain is caused by an underlying problem, your ophthalmologist may prescribe eye drops, glasses, or contacts to help you.
If you are suffering from symptoms of eye strain, contact an experienced ophthalmologist in your area today to schedule an initial consultation.
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