Most of the jobs these days are done in front of a computer device. If you also spend hours in front of the computer screen and you feel that your eyes are getting impacted, then you might have been exposed to eye strain or discomfort. If so, you need to know about the top signs of eye strain and how to avoid it.
What is
Eye Strain, and What are Its Signs?
In simple
terms, eye strain or discomfort is a general term that might have a few or many
symptoms. It might also be a part of the computer vision syndrome that includes
dry eyes, blurred vision, burning, red or pink eyes, light sensitivity,
shoulder pain, back pain, neck pain, and headaches, among others.
What are
the Reasons for Eye Strain?
There are
many reasons for eye strain. You need to avoid or correct them if you want to
eliminate eye strain. Some of them are:
· Poor seating posture.
· Bad lighting.
· Improper viewing distances.
· Glare on the screen.
· Dry air in the room.
· Uncorrected vision problems.
· Air movement is not right.
· Reading without giving breaks to
your eyes.
· Looking at digital devices
constantly for hours.
· Being stressed or feeling fatigued
can increase eye strain.
· Straining to see in dim light.
· Driving for long hours or doing any
other activity that needs you to focus for long.
· It can be a combination of many of
these factors.
How to
Reduce Eye Strain?
· Make sure you get your eyes checked
by a doctor regularly to detect and fix undetected vision issues.
· Use task-specific computer glasses.
· Ensure there is ample light in the
room.
· Set the monitor at the right
distance.
· Adjust the device’s brightness.
· Take a 20-second break after every
20 minutes and focus on something that’s 20 feet away.
· Blink more often.
· Try eye exercises.
· If you have dry eyes, use over-the-counter artificial tears.
· Improve the air quality of the space.
· Enhance the lighting in the room by
using one of these hacks.
· Consider the idea of taking natural
products like omega-3 fatty acids and bilberry extract to reduce the symptoms
of eye strain or eye discomfort.
When to
See an Expert?
Some eye strain
can be a result of looking at the computer screens all day. But sometimes, it
can turn problematic. You should consider seeing a doctor if you have serious
issues like constant eye pain, severe eye pain, blurring of vision, eyelid
drooping, double vision, floaters with flashes of light, and different pupil
sizes. If you are less than 40, you need to see an ophthalmologist at least
once to ensure basic eye care and preventive measures.
If you are
looking for more tips and the latest updates on eye care, you might want to
visit the Canadian Ophthalmological Society. It is the national, recognized
authority on eye and vision care in Canada. They work collaboratively with the government,
other national and international specialty societies, our academic communities
(ACUPO), our provincial partners and affiliates, and other eye care
professionals and patient groups to advocate for health policy in Canada in the
area of eye and vision health.
-by Shruti , CNS Canadian News Source
Sources:
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/office/eye_discomfort.html
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/home-remedies-reducing-eye-strain-and-discomfort/