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Eye fatigue
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
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Eye fatigue, also known as computer or digital syndrome, is a condition in which the eyes become tired and irritated due to prolonged time spent in front of a computer monitor, smartphone, tablet or other electronic devices.
Causes of the eye strain
Eye fatigue can be caused by various factors and reasons associated with long and intense visual activity. The following are the main causes of eye fatigue:
- Working at a computer or using electronic devices: Prolonged time spent on a computer, tablet, smartphone or other electronic devices can lead to eye strain due to focusing the eyes on near objects and monitors.
- Prolonged reading: Intensive reading in poor lighting or with improper eye position can cause eye muscle fatigue.
- Improper vision correction: Wearing incorrect or outdated eyeglasses or contact lenses can lead to increased eye strain and fatigue.
- Poor lighting: Inadequate or improper lighting for working or reading can make working with near objects more stressful on the eyes.
- Dry Eyes: Insufficient moisturization of the eyes can cause dryness, burning and discomfort, which contributes to fatigue.
- Insufficient rest: Lack of breaks to rest the eyes, especially when working or reading for long periods of time, can exacerbate fatigue.
- Asthenic normocytotic hydrocephalus: This is a condition in which normal intracranial pressure is accompanied by symptoms of eye fatigue and discomfort.
- Stress and Fatigue: Stress, physical and emotional fatigue can exacerbate the symptoms of eye fatigue.
Symptoms of the eye strain
Eye fatigue, also known as asthenic syndrome or computer vision syndrome, can have a variety of symptoms that are associated with eye muscle supination and eye fatigue as a result of prolonged reading, computer work, or other near visual activity. The following are common symptoms of eye fatigue:
- Feeling of eye fatigue: The eyes may become tired and heavy, especially after prolonged work with near objects.
- Dryness and burning: Your eyes may feel dry, burning and uncomfortable. This may be due to a reduced frequency of eye blinking when working at a computer.
- Blurred vision: Temporary impairment of visual clarity may occur, especially when trying to focus on distant objects after prolonged near visual activity.
- Headache: Overworking the eyes can cause headaches, especially in the frontal area of the head.
- Light sensitivity: Your eyes may become more sensitive to bright light.
- Eye redness: The conjunctiva (white of the eye) may become red.
- A feeling of tension and pressure in the eyes.
To reduce the risk of eye strain, it is recommended that you practice good eye hygiene when working on a computer or reading, take breaks to rest your eyes, perform eye muscle exercises, and ensure good lighting and proper monitor positioning. If symptoms of eye fatigue become frequent or severe, it is important to consult an eye doctor for an eye health evaluation and recommendations for treatment and prevention. [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]
Treatment of the eye strain
If you experience eye strain, it's important to take immediate action to relieve discomfort and restore comfort. Here's what you can do:
- Take a break: Stop work or other visual activity and allow your eyes to rest. Move away from the source of eye strain.
- Close your eyes: Close your eyes for a while to reduce their strain and help them relax.
- Blink youreyes: Blinking helps moisturize your eyes naturally. Many of us blink less when focusing on a computer screen or reading.
- Use artificial tears: If you have dry eyes, use artificial tears to moisturize your eyes. Select a product according to your ophthalmologist's recommendations.
- Cool compresses: Apply clean and soft compresses soaked in cold water to your eyes. This can help relieve swelling and reduce irritation.
- Avoid bright light: Reduce the brightness of lights in the room and avoid bright sunlight.
- Do not rub your eyes: Do not rub your eyes with your hands as this can make the situation worse.
- Vision Correction: If you have glasses or contact lenses for vision correction, make sure you wear them and they match your current prescription.
- Humidifier: If the room is too dry, use a humidifier to maintain an optimal humidity level.
- Consult your doctor: If your symptoms of eye strain do not improve or continue to bother you, see an ophthalmologist for a more detailed evaluation and possible treatment.
Remember that prevention is also important to prevent overworking your eyes. Follow the rules of eye hygiene, take regular breaks when working at the computer and keep your eyes healthy. [6]
Eye drops for eye fatigue
There are many brands and names of eye drops available that can help with eye fatigue. Some of these include:
- Visine: Visine Universal and Visine Moisturizing are some of the Visine products designed to moisturize and relieve the symptoms of overworked eyes.
- Ocomistin (Ocmeten): Ocomistin is a Russian medication that is also used to moisturize and relieve dry eyes.
- Seeker Tears: These are also popular eye drops that help moisturize and soothe the eyes.
- Kontur (Kontur ): Kontur Sliza Uvlazhnayushchaya (Kontur Sliza Uvlazhnayushchaya) drops are another product that can be helpful for dry eyes.
- FreshTears: FreshTears are drops designed to relieve discomfort and dry eyes.
To apply eye drops correctly, follow the instructions on the package, usually:
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Raise your head and lean back.
- Open the packaging of the drops and gently press the bottle to draw out one drop.
- Hold the drop over the eye and gently inject it into the conjunctival sac of the eye (the space between the upper eyelid and the eye) without touching the eye.
- Close your eyes and lightly press your eyelids together to spread the drop evenly over your eye.
- Repeat the procedure with the other eye if necessary.
Drops are usually applied as needed when you experience symptoms of eye strain. If you have any specific recommendations from your doctor, follow them.
Prevention
Preventing eye overexertion is an important part of keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable, especially when working long hours at a computer, reading, or other near visual activities. Here are some tips for preventing eye fatigue:
- Take breaks: Take regular short breaks from working or reading. Every 20-30 minutes, look away from distant objects and blink a few times to reduce eye strain.
- Eye exercises: Do eye muscle exercises such as moving your eyes in different directions, circular eye movements, and focusing your eyes on near and far objects.
- Proper lighting: Provide good and even lighting at your workplace or reading area to reduce eye strain.
- Ergonomics: Pay attention to proper posture at the computer. Your monitor should be at eye level and your chair should be comfortable and support the correct back position.
- Artificial tears: Use artificial tears, especially if you have dry eyes. They will help moisturize your eyes.
- Observe your sleeping and resting habits: Be aware that fatigue and stress can worsen the condition of your eyes. Get regular sleep and take time to rest.
- Protective eyewear: Consider using special protective eyewear when using a computer, especially if you spend a lot of time in front of a screen.
- Vision Correction: If you have vision problems, make sure you are properly corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
- Healthy Eating: Eat a balanced diet and consider foods rich in vitamins and minerals that are good for eye health, such as vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Regular check-ups with an eye doctor: Get regular check-ups with an eye doctor to detect and treat possible vision problems.
Following these guidelines will help reduce the risk of overworking your eyes and keep them healthy and comfortable.