Symptoms
Sore, tired, burning, or itching eyes
Watery or dry eyes
Blurred or double vision
Increased sensitivity to light
Neck, shoulder, or back pain
Headaches
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling that you cannot keep your eyes open
Causes
Prolonged computer use
Reading without breaks
Driving long distances
Exposure to bright light or glare
Trying to see in very dim light
Underlying vision problems (uncorrected refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism)
Dry eyes
Stress or fatigue
Poor lighting
Air conditioning or heating systems blowing air in the face
Medicine Used
Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops to relieve dryness.
Prescription Eye Drops: If dry eye is a significant contributing factor, a doctor may prescribe stronger eye drops to increase tear production or reduce inflammation.
Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with headaches associated with eye strain.
Addressing Underlying Vision Problems: Corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) prescribed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Is Communicable
No, eye strain is not a communicable disease. It is not caused by a virus, bacteria, or other infectious agent and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
The 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Adjust Lighting: Ensure proper lighting to minimize glare and strain.
Adjust your Monitor: Position your computer monitor about an arm's length away and slightly below eye level.
Blink Frequently: Consciously blink more often to keep your eyes lubricated.
Use Artificial Tears: Keep lubricating eye drops handy.
Take Breaks: Take regular breaks from activities that cause eye strain.
Get Regular Eye Exams: Ensure that any underlying vision problems are corrected.
Adjust your workstation: Use ergonomic chairs
How long does an outbreak last?
Eye strain is not an "outbreak" like an infectious disease. Symptoms can last as long as the causative activity is continued. With rest and proper adjustments, symptoms usually resolve within a few hours to a day. Chronic eye strain can persist longer if the underlying causes are not addressed.
How is it diagnosed?
Eye strain is usually diagnosed based on a description of symptoms and a routine eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The exam may include:
Visual Acuity Tests: To measure how well you see at various distances.
Refraction: To determine your prescription for glasses or contact lenses.
Eye Muscle Coordination Tests: To assess how well your eyes work together.
Slit-Lamp Examination: To examine the structures of your eyes.
Dry Eye Evaluation: To assess tear production and quality.
Timeline of Symptoms
The onset of eye strain symptoms is usually gradual and directly related to the duration of the activity causing it.
During Activity: Symptoms may start mildly and gradually worsen.
After Activity: Symptoms may persist for a short time after the activity ends, usually diminishing with rest.
Chronic Cases: If the causative activity is repeated frequently, symptoms may become chronic and persistent.
Important Considerations
Rule out underlying medical conditions if eye strain is persistent or severe.
Consider an ergonomic assessment of your workstation.
Address contributing factors like dry eye or uncorrected vision.
If symptoms do not improve with self-care measures, consult an eye care professional.
Be aware that some medications can contribute to dry eye and eye strain.