Do you often find yourself in the driver’s seat? Do you love binge-watching your favorite shows on Netflix? What about your phone or computers? We bet even as you’re reading this article now, you’re behind some type of screen. According to a report, the average American spends about 7 hours looking at screens daily. If you’re one of them, you might experience some eye strain, if this is the case you might want to consider buying one of the 7 Best Monitors for Eyes.
But what exactly is eye strain? And is it permanent? Let’s take a closer look.
Eye Strain – Definition
Asthenopia, the medical term for eye strain, is a type of fatigue that affects your eyes. It can be caused by extended periods of close work, such as reading or using a computer. You might also experience it if you’re driving for long periods of time or trying to focus on something in low light.
Eye strain symptoms can include:
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Dry eyes
- Watery eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Red eyes
- Burning sensation in the eyes
- Headache
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
Most of the time, these symptoms are not serious and will go away once you rest your eyes or take a break from whatever you’re doing. However, if your symptoms aggravate or become more frequent, you should see an eye doctor.
Digital Eye Strain – Definition
Digital eye strain and “eye strain” generally go hand in hand. In fact, most of the time, when we say “eye strain,” we’re really talking about digital eye strain. That’s because digital use is the most common cause of eye strain.
Digital devices emit blue light, which can be harmful to your eyes. Blue light is a type of light that has shorter waves and higher frequency. It means it has more energy than other types of light. And when you’re exposed to blue light for long periods, it can damage your eyes, thus leading to eye strain.
Besides digital use, other causes of eye strain include:
- Poor lighting
- Glare
- Incorrect screen position
- Uncorrected vision problems
- Driving or reading for hours on end
Can Eye Strain Be Permanent?
For the most part, no. Eye strain is usually temporary and will go away once you rest your eyes or take a break from whatever is causing it. Besides, simple remedies like wearing glasses or adjusting the lighting in your room can help reduce eye strain. However, eye strain can lead to more serious problems like vision loss in some rare cases. This is usually the result of an underlying condition, such as glaucoma. If you experience persistent eye strain, be sure to see your doctor so they can rule out any serious underlying conditions.
How Long Does Eye Strain Last?
Generally, eye strains last for about an hour. However, the duration of an eye strain may vary depending on the individual and the severity of the symptoms. For some, eye strain may only last for a few minutes, while for others, it can last for hours or even days.
If your eye strain is simply caused by watching TV or being on your phone for too long, it will likely go away as soon as you stop using the device. However, if your eye strain is caused by an underlying condition like glaucoma, it may last for a longer period of time.
Will Eye Strain Go Away?
Yes, eye strain typically goes away on its own. However, if your symptoms are severe or persist for more than a day, you should see your doctor. They can rule out any underlying conditions and provide you with the necessary treatment.
You should also visit a doctor if you notice any of the accompanying symptoms with eye strain:
- Double vision
- Severe eye pain or redness
- Seeing flashes of light or floaters
- Loss of vision
Eye Strain For Days – Solutions & Ways To Prevent It
In minor-moderate cases of eye strain, the symptoms should go away within an hour or two. You can also try some home remedies to ease the discomfort. These include:
- Resting Your Eyes:
Take a break from looking at screens and give your eyes a rest. Try to blink often, look away from your screen every 20 minutes, and focus on something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This is known as the “20-20-20” rule.
- Take A Nap:
If your eyes feel tired, take a quick power nap. About 15-20 minutes should do the trick.
- Splash Some Water On Your Face:
Washing your face with cold water can help refresh your eyes and ease tension or strain.
- Use Artificial Tears:
Over-the-counter artificial tears can help lubricate your eyes and relieve any dryness or irritation.
- Eye Compress:
You can also try using a cold compress to ease any discomfort. Simply wrap a clean cloth in ice and apply it to your eyes for about 3-5 minutes.
Ways To Prevent Eye Strain For Good
If you’ve been suffering from eye strain for days, chances are, your lifestyle is the culprit. Here are some changes you can make to help prevent eye strain in the long run:
- Use The Right Lighting:
When reading or working on the computer, use proper lighting. Make sure the room is well-lit, and there’s no glare coming from your screen.
You may also want to adjust the brightness of your screen to make it easier on your eyes. Today, almost all smart devices come with the “Night Light” or “Blue Light Filter” option, which can help reduce the strain on your eyes.
- Wear Computer Glasses:
If you work on the computer often, consider wearing computer glasses. These have a special anti-glare coating that can help reduce eye strain.
- Sleep Well:
Getting enough sleep is crucial for overall eye health. Be sure to get at least 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night.
- Eat Healthy:
Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants can help improve your vision and reduce the risk of eye problems.
- Go For Periodical Checkups:
Last but not least, be sure to see your doctor for regular checkups. This way, they can catch any eye problems early on and provide you with the necessary treatment.