How to Manage Eye Strain
Eye strain can cause significant discomfort and affect productivity in the workplace. By making some simple adjustments to environmental and work habits have help alleviate symptoms of eye strain.
What is eye strain?
Eye strain is a common condition that occurs when the eyes experience fatigue due to prolonged concentration tasks. When concentrating on something for an extended period of time, the eye muscles can become fatigued. This can include tasks such as driving long distances, starting at a computer screen, prolonged reading or near tasks.
Eye strain can cause significant discomfort and affect productivity in the workplace. Eye strain is often ignored, however, in some cases, symptoms of eye strain can be indicative of an underlying eye condition that needs optometric attention.
If you are experiencing eye strain, speak to an eye care professional. If you are looking for a bulk-billed eye test in the North Sydney area and surrounding suburbs such as Cammeray, Willoughby, Castelcrag, Atarmon, Crows Nest, St Leonards, Lane Cove, Naremburn and Chatswood contact Northbridge Optical on (02) 8350 2910.
What are the most common symptoms of eye strain?
Eye strain can be very uncomfortable for the eyes. Some of the symptoms of eye strain include:
Sore, tired eyes
Itchy or burning sensation
Watery eyes
Difficulty focussing for long periods
Blurry vision
Diplopia or double vision with prolong use
Photophobia or light sensitivity
Heaviness around the eyes
Twitching eye
It is important to understand that eye strain does not only affect the eyes. If symptoms of eye stain are not addressed, it can lead to other symptoms including headaches and even soreness in the shoulders, neck and back.
If you have been experiencing any of the following symptoms, speak to your optometrist to discuss a management plan to reduce your symptoms of eye strain. Book a bulk-billed eye test with an optometrist at Northbridge Optical (located in North Sydney region) to discuss environmental and behavioural habits which may be causing your eye strain.
Most common causes for eye strain?
Given the increasing use of digital screens, it is undeniable that digital screens are one of the most common causes of eye strain. However, there are many other factors that cause eye strain. These include:
Prolonged digital screen use (computers, TV, gaming consoles, smartphones, laptops, tablets)
Prolonged reading for books or near work
Lack of exposure to natural light
Driving long distances
Extended time doing near work
Poor ergonomics
Underlying eye problems (dry eyes, refractive error)
Stress
Recent changes to medical history or health
There are many causes for eye strain, speak to an optometrist at Northbridge Optical (located in the North Sydney region) to discuss options to alleviate eye strain.
What can I do to relieve eye strain?
If you think you are suffering from eye strain, book in for an eye test with your optometrist. Your optometrist will come up with a management plan customised to your work and lifestyle needs. Some of the changes may include:
Ergonomic changes to computer set up
Visual hygiene including regular breaks in front of the screen
Adjustments to working distance
Spectacles if needed
Eye exercises
Treatment of underlying eye conditions such as dry eyes
20-20-20 rule: Take a break every 20 minutes and focus on 20ft (6m) away for 20 seconds
As there are so many different causes to eye strain, each treatment plan should be tailored to the individual and their lifestyle. It is best to book in for an eye examination with your optometrist to discuss your options. If you are looking for an optometrist in North Sydney.
It is undeniable that eye strain can affect productivity in the workplace. If you think you are suffering from eye strain, book a bulk-billed eye test with an optometrist to discuss a management plan.
References
https://www.essilor.com.au/vision/eye-problems/eye-strain