For your eyes only

FM Bureau | 01-June-2014

Eyestrain occurs when your eyes get tired after intense use, such as driving a car for extended periods and reading or working at a computer. Here are the symptoms, causes and the risk factors

By FM Bureau

Although eyestrain can be annoying, it usually isn’t serious and goes away once you rest your eyes. In some cases, signs and symptoms of eyestrain can indicate an underlying eye condition that needs treatment. Although you may not be able to change the nature of your job or all the factors that can cause eyestrain, you can take steps to reduce eyestrain.

Symptoms

Eyestrain signs and symptoms include:

Sore, tired, burning or itching eyes
Watery eyes
Dry eyes
Blurred or double vision
Headache
Sore neck
Sore back
Shoulder pain
Increased sensitivity to light
Difficulty focusing

Computer use or the use of other digital electronic devices can cause many of these symptoms.

When to consult a doctor

If home treatments don’t work to relieve your eyestrain symptoms, see your eye doctor. See your doctor if you have ongoing symptoms that may include:

Eye discomfort
A noticeable change in vision
Double vision
Headache

Causes

Common causes of eyestrain include:

Extended use of computer or digital electronic devices
Reading for extended periods
Other activities involving extended periods of intense focus and concentration, such as driving a vehicle
Exposure to bright light or glare
Straining to see in very dim light

Using a computer for long periods is one of the most common causes of eyestrain. This type of eyestrain is called computer vision syndrome. In some cases, an underlying eye problem such as eye muscle imbalance or uncorrected vision can cause or worsen computer eyestrain.

Risk factors

Risk factors for eyestrain include:

Activities that require intensive or extended use of your eyes for tasks such as using a computer, studying printed materials or driving
Underlying eye problems such as an eye muscle imbalance or uncorrected vision (refractive error)
Stress or fatigue
Extremely dry air or moving air from heating and air conditioning

Complications

Eyestrain doesn’t have serious or long-term consequences, but it can be disruptive and unpleasant. It can make you tired and reduce your ability to concentrate. In some cases, it may take days for all eyestrain symptoms to go away after you’ve taken steps to change your activities or environment or treated any underlying cause.

Preparing for your appointment

If you have eye discomfort, headache or vision changes that don’t improve with self-care, make an appointment with your doctor.

Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

List any symptoms you’ve been having and for how long.
Write down your key medical information, including other conditions with which you’ve been diagnosed and all medications and supplements you’re taking.
Keep a daily log of the time you spend on activities that strain your eyes, such as working in front of a computer monitor, prolonged reading or exposure to glare.
Write down questions to ask your doctor. Creating your list of questions in advance can help you make the most of your time with your doctor.

Below are some basic questions to ask a doctor who is examining you for eyestrain. If any additional questions occur to you during your visit, don’t hesitate to ask.

What is the most likely cause of my signs and symptoms?
Are there any other possible causes?
Do I need any tests to confirm the diagnosis?
What treatment approach do you recommend?
What changes could I make to my work or home environment, including my computer desk, to help reduce symptoms?
What other self-care measures should I be taking?
When should I return for a follow-up appointment?
Should I see a specialist?