Causes Of Eye Strain

Eye Strain From Computer Screens Is Rising 

Causes of eye strain are fairly obvious: it happens when your eyes get tired from intense or extended use. Eye strain has always been a problem for people whose jobs demanded a lot of reading or a lot of driving (truck drivers, for instance), but in recent years, the proliferation of the Internet has resulted in more cases of eye strain from computer screens. 

Computer vision syndrome Eye strain from computer screens has been on the rise since computers have become so prominent in our lives. There's even a name for it now: computer vision syndrome. Anyone who already has an existing eye problem, uncorrected vision, or a muscle imbalance is especially at risk.

If you find yourself having to shift your focus between your video screen and paper documents, you have one of the symptoms of computer vision syndrome. Another of the symptoms of computer vision syndrome is the appearance of color fringes or abnormally prolonged afterimages when you look away from the monitor.

Glasses for computer eye strain If you think you're getting eye strain from computer screens, see your eye doctor or vision professional. He or she can perform a computer eye exam that includes tests to detect any computer vision syndrome. Your doctor may be able to prescribe glasses for computer eye strain that will relieve your discomfort. 

Other causes of eye strain The most common causes of eye strain are fairly obvious.

• Reading for long, uninterrupted periods of time, especially in low or dim light.
• Exposure to bright light or glare.
• Extended periods behind the wheel.
• Too much time staring at a computer monitor or video screen.

Eye strain symptoms Here's a list of common eye strain symptoms:

• Dry eyes or itchy eyes
• Headaches
• Increased light sensitivity
• Redness
• Sore eyes
• Soreness or stiffness in the neck or back
• Vision problems, especially blurred vision or double vision
• Watery eyes

Eye strain treatment Eye strain can be distracting and unpleasant, but all you usually need to do to get relief is to give your eyes a rest.

Normally, eye strain has no serious or long-term consequences. It makes you tired, steals your energy and robs you of your ability to focus and concentrate. But it usually only takes a day or two of rest to recuperate from it.

To review a list of products designed to relieve eye strain, click here.