Spending extended periods in front of a computer screen can lead to dry eyes and headaches. If you've experienced this, you may be dealing with asthenopia or eye fatigue (eye strain). How does eye fatigue impact your vision, and what can you do about it? Read on for more insights.

What is Asthenopia or Eye Fatigue (Eye Strain)?

Asthenopia, commonly referred to as eye strain, is a condition characterized by tiredness in the eyes due to prolonged visual activities, such as reading, long-distance driving, or using digital devices.

Eye strain resulting from screen time is often called digital eye strain. When using a digital screen, people tend to blink less frequently, leading to fatigued eyes.

Generally, eye strain is not a serious condition and does not indicate chronic health issues. However, persistent eye strain can result in discomfort and problems with visual acuity.

Eye strain can be either temporary or chronic, so it’s advisable to schedule an eye exam if symptoms do not improve.

Symptoms of Asthenopia or Eye Fatigue (Eye Strain)

The symptoms of eye strain can affect not only the eyes but also other parts of the body. Common symptoms include:

• Watery eyes
• Dry eyes
• Blurred vision
• Light sensitivity
• Sore eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Difficulty keeping the eyes open

These symptoms can be accompanied by pain, dryness, soreness, or itchiness. When focusing, you may notice blurred or faint vision and have difficulty concentrating on specific objects. Typically, these symptoms persist for a while but subside after resting your eyes.

In addition to eye-related complaints, eye strain can lead to discomfort in other areas, such as:

• Headaches
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Back pain
• Difficulty concentrating

Treatment of Asthenopia or Eye Strain

Managing eye strain often involves making lifestyle adjustments. Here are some effective strategies for alleviating tired eyes:

• Use glasses or contact lenses as needed for specific tasks.
• Take regular breaks from reading, writing, or driving.
• Implement the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.
• Use lubricating eye drops.
• Adjust the lighting on your screen or in the room to suit your activities.
• Consider using a humidifier.
• Avoid smoking.

Eye strain may also indicate that you need glasses to reduce muscle tension in the eyes. Consulting an ophthalmologist can help you obtain the appropriate prescription for your vision needs.

Prevention of Asthenopia or Eye Strain

To prevent or minimize the risk of eye strain while working, along with regular eye breaks, consider the following:

• Choose a monitor that can be tilted and rotated, positioning it parallel to your line of sight.
• Utilize an adjustable office chair.
• Keep the screen (and lenses) of your devices clean, as dirt can diminish contrast.
• Use a screen filter to minimize glare.
• Ensure adequate lighting.
• Apply eye drops promptly if your eyes feel dry.
• Practice frequent blinking.
• Limit screen time whenever possible.

While asthenopia or eye strain is typically harmless, it can signify underlying eye issues. If you experience persistent symptoms of eye strain, it’s essential to seek medical advice. You can also use the consultation feature on the Ai Care application, available for download on the App Store or Play Store.

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