Eye Strain

''' What is Eye Strain? '''

Eye strain is the discomfort experienced when you focus for prolonged periods that causes your eyes and the eye muscles to tire and become over-used. Your eyes are designed to shift focus between near and distant objects. However, most of our work and recreational tasks have been executed at close proximity.

 Symptoms of Eye Strain  ''' '''

These are some examples of the symptoms:

·       Headaches or migraines

·       Pain in the eye

·       Red, watery eyes

·       Blurred or double vision

·       Dry eyes that feel scratchy

·       Burning sensation when you close your eyes

·       Neck aches

·       Back aches

·       Aching heaviness of the eyelids or forehead, especially around the eyebrows

·       Muscle spasm in the muscles surrounding the eyes

·       Twitch in the eyelid

 

''' What causes Eye Strain? '''

There are several factors that tribute to the causes of eyestrain. Focusing the eyes on a fixed object for prolonged periods causes the eyes to strain with close viewing being worse than distant viewing. Working in poor lighting also causes the eyes to become more strained. The direct glare of bright ceiling lights or a sunny window shining into your eyes makes it difficult to see. Eye strain caused by computers is common. Reflected glares of computer screens may also bring about eyestrain because the contrast between the image you are viewing and its background are reduced by the reflected light. This glare makes it harder for your brain to interpret the image which causes you to strain your eyes and your facial and eyes muscles tighten. Too much contrast (the difference in brightness between what is being viewed and its immediate environment) can also lead to eye strain caused by computers'''. '''

''' Help for Eye Strain '''

Treat strained eyes by moisturizing them with a variety of over-the-counter eye-drops or artificial tears