EYE STRAIN
Eyes feeling strained and in general tired? Print going blurry, perhaps double?
Maybe they start feeling this way after long or short periods of concentration, such as reading, studying or using a computer. Perhaps too long on the mobile phone.
This sensation can spread around or behind your eyes and result in a headache which may be at your temples or other parts of the head.
What is Eyestrain and Its Causes?
In today's modern society, these symptoms are all too common, and they are increasing along with our use of digital devices. Think about how much time you are spending in front of a screen every day. Don't forget your mobile too. You can think of this eye condition as eye muscle fatigue, due to excessive reading or excessive staring at
computers, smartphones or digital tablets.
Eye strain can also be caused by uncorrected spectacle prescription, in particular, longsightedness(known as hypermetropia) and astigmatism.
Ignoring your eyestrain can make your vision worsen the long run and makes it more costly, difficult, and time-consuming to fix.
Eye Strain Symptoms
The symptoms of eyestrain can vary from mild to severe, and usually become worse after a long period of close reading, studying or general computer use. The unique combination of symptoms of each individual can often help point to the underlying cause of the problem.
Eye Strain Headache
Headaches are a common occurrence in people to the extent that they tend to ignore those headaches that are mild and infrequent. Many mild headaches have an unknown cause and are easily relieved with some rest and with Panadol type pain relief. Common causes of headaches include stress, dehydration or other dietary factors, muscle strain around the head and neck, and eyestrain. If the headaches are severe, frequent or unusual, one should see their doctor to rule out any more serious causes.
Computer Eye Strain
Computer eye strain(also known as digital eye strain)is part of a more significant eye problem called computer vision syndrome. Computer vision syndrome is when symptoms of eye strain and dry eyes are directly linked to the use of digital screens. Focusing up close for long periods of time without looking into the distance has significant effects on the eyes, making them dry, short-sighted, and potentially damaged from the increased blue light levels.
Blue light is emitted from many sources, including digital screens (like phone, computer, laptop, phone and TV)and fluorescent and energy efficient lights. The sun also emits blue light.
Human circadian rhythms have evolved to use this light source to regulate sleep/wake patterns and to feel more alert during the day.
Unfortunately, this also means that increased use of digital devices in the home and at work at night time leads to disruption of the natural sleep cycle, causing increased fatigue.
Increased exposure to blue light not only causes feelings of dry and tired eyes, but it can also damage the sight giving cells at the back of the eye, leading to permanent vision loss.
Computer Vision Syndrome
Computer vision syndrome is more severe than eye strain. It also involves dry eye syndrome, lower back problems, neck issues and a general feeling of fatigue. The human body is meant to move, and the eyes are meant to do most of their focusing in the distance, i.e. greater than 3 metres(10 feet).
We now find that most people spend more time indoors and exercise far less than they used to. Hence, this is why computer vision syndrome is now so common.
Eye Strain Treatment
Relieving eye strain starts by having a thorough eye examination to diagnose the underlying causes. Only then can a treatment regime be customised to fix the problem.
Eye exercises, blink rehabilitation, prescription glasses are some of the treatments for this debilitating condition.
Eye Strain Glasses
On occasion, a simple pair of glasses is enough to reduce or even eliminate eye strain. The eye muscles become so tired from the eye strain that vision can fluctuate and change over short periods of time. This is why a correct prescription is critical. Sometimes specialised anti-fatigue lenses are recommended which provide a specific solution to the particular work or study environment. Correcting muscle balance and providing blue light filter can also significantly reduce eyestrain.
At Eye Connection, our optometrist is highly experienced in the assessment and management of eye strain and computer vision syndrome. Come in for an eye test today. We will assess your needs and can provide you with blue light and anti-fatigue lenses.
Based in South Yarra, our optometrist is also local to Prahran, Windsor and other surrounding outer Melbourne suburbs.
Comprehensive Eye Test
An initial patient interview is conducted to find out your exact needs and problems. One of the most important parts of the eye test process is communication between the optometrist and the patient. This is often skipped because it is considered a time waster for the practitioner.
The following protocol will be followed before we begin the technical collection of data about your eyes.
- finding out about you and your vision needs.
- finding out about your previous eye health history
- finding out about your general health and any family history of eye conditions.
- after collecting the above information we will be then in a position to accurately determine whether any further expertise is required ie computer eye strain and/or dry eye evaluations.
Eye Test Consultation
Eye test consultations involve,
- assessing any eyewear and lens care systems in use
- measuring your vision and the focusing ability of your eye
- determining if any eyewear is required and, if so what prescription gives you the clearest
and most comfortable vision possible
- the correct optical correction, whether it is eyeglasses, contact lenses or maybe vision hygiene may be required.
- assessing your overall eye health, both externally and internally for conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataract.,and diabetic related eye conditions.
Recommendations after Examination Completed
We will then discuss the findings with you and make recommendations tailored to your eye health needs.
If contact lenses are required, we will help you choose lenses and a lens care system that will be suitable for your visual needs.
If contact lenses are prescribed you will be taught how to insert and remove the contact lenses safely and hoe to clean and care for them correctly.
If glasses are required our expert frame stylist will help you choose frames that suit your individual personality, face shape while considering your budget at the same time.
Occasionally referral to an ophthalmologist or another specialist may be required. We are familiar with the best ophthalmologists in their respective specialities.
Protect your vision with a safe and non-invasive eye test with Eye Connection today. Book in an appointment now!
