The visual fatigue is a problem that is on its way to becoming endemic in developed countries, so it is worth analysing why it occurs and learning how to tackle its annoying symptoms.
What is eyestrain?
The eyestrain or eyestrain is not an eye condition per se, but a syndrome or set of bothersome symptoms that affect the eyeball and its environment, as well as the ability to see.
Specifically, eyestrain or eyestrain and its characteristic symptoms usually manifest themselves when the affected person performs activities that involve focusing on close objects or fixating the eyes on very specific points for long periods of time.
What causes eyestrain?
When we look at something up close, such as a computer screen or a mobile phone, the ciliary muscle contracts and the lens of the eye naturally bends. When this effort to focus on a near point is prolonged, the ciliary muscle does not have a chance to relax. In such cases, it is this uninterrupted effort that causes eyestrain.
On the other hand, decreased blinking frequency also causes eye fatigue. It occurs not only when we look attentively at a book or a screen, but also in other circumstances. One of the most common is driving a car: it has been proven that attention while driving leads to a decrease in the frequency with which the driver opens and closes his eyelids.
And why does decreased blinking frequency lead to eye fatigue? Because blinking is the natural mechanism for distributing tears over the corneal surface. This smoothes the surface of the cornea, making vision noticeably sharper.
When the frequency of blinking is reduced, the surface of the eye is more exposed to air and therefore to tear evaporation. This creates discontinuities in the tear film and causes irregularity of the corneal surface, leading to blurring, dryness and irritation.
In addition, when the affected person's vision is blurred, he or she involuntarily increases eye strain, which worsens the symptoms of eyestrain. In short, it is a case of the fish that bites its own tail.
Symptoms of eyestrain
People suffering from eyestrain experience some or all of the symptoms listed below:
- Watery and/or irritated eyes.
- Heaviness or discomfort in eyelids and eyes.
- Blurred vision.
- Focusing problems.
- Mild headaches.
- Involuntary movements of the eyelid.
The symptoms of eyestrain are consistent with those of other eye conditions. And some of these conditions can cause eyestrain. For example, straining your eyes when you have presbyopia (difficulty seeing up close due to age-related hardening of the lens of the eye) causes eyestrain.
Therefore, if any of these symptoms are observed, the prudent decision is to consult an ophthalmologist. The ophthalmologist will establish the differential diagnosis and confirm whether the symptoms are indeed caused by simple eye fatigue or by other conditions.
Prevention and treatment of eyestrain
Treatment varies depending on the causes of eyestrain:
Visual fatigue caused by other eye disorders
If eyestrain or eyestrain is the result of a specific eye disorder, then that condition needs to be treated or corrective action taken.
For example, in case of presbyopiaIf you have presbyopia, you must wear glasses (always prescribed by an ophthalmologist) to see up close. Another alternative is presbyopia surgery, a procedure in which the hardened crystalline lens is replaced by an artificial intraocular lens.
Eyestrain caused by continuous eye strain or activities that lead to decreased blinking
In such cases, treatment is symptomatic and includes the following actions:
- Schedule periodic breaks if the eye fatigue is caused by continuous fixation of the eyes on a very close object. To do this, use the 20-20-20 ophthalmological rule. That is, every 20 minutes, look away for 20 seconds at an object more than 20 feet away (about 6 metres).
- Avoid excessive brightness of computer screens, mobile phones and digital books. Screen filters are highly recommended.
- Good ambient lighting. When reading or working in front of a screen, it is essential that the room is well lit.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors or when driving. As well as taking breaks.
- Avoid driving at night.
- Get into the habit of blinking frequently.
- Use artificial tears if you experience dry eyes.
Preventive measures
The measures to prevent eye fatigue coincide with those of symptomatic treatment. An additional preventive measure is to visit the ophthalmologist if any abnormalities are observed, including dry eyes, loss of distant visual acuity and difficulty focusing up close.
We conclude by adding that in our Visual Ophthalmology Centre in Fuengirola we have ophthalmologists who specialise in the treatment of eyestrain and eye conditions that can trigger it.