How to Deal with Eye Strain

How do your eyes feel when you have long hours working in front of the computer, reading a manuscript, gaming all night, or sewing by hand? Your eyes become tired, dry, and sore from all your activities. And you simply can’t go any further.

Our eyes are considered to be one of the most important sensory organs of the body. Working them hard could cause our eyes to tire and cause symptoms such as headache, blurry vision, and double vision. This condition is called eyestrain. But eyestrain may also have a number of causes. Glaucoma, an eye disorder in which there is an increased pressure inside the eye, can initially manifest as eyestrain. And if left untreated, may lead to blindness.

If you are suffering from eyestrain for weeks or becomes a hindrance to your daily activities, it would be best to consult an eye-care professional or an ophthalmologist for proper diagnosis and management. In the meantime, here are a few tips to manage your condition.

The right light, not the bright light

A known factor that causes eyestrain is the amount and brightness of light. Too much light can cause glare while dim light can be very demanding for our eyes. Try to adjust the lighting at a comfortable level that suits your needs.

It’s a matter of distance

Distant viewing is a better option that to look at things at a closer level. Adjust your distance from what you are viewing, provided that you can still see it properly.
Consider using glasses

Talk about this with your doctor. He will prescribe you with the right lenses to keep your vision sharp. Some glasses have glare-busting properties that can filter wavelengths of light. This is great for those working with a computer.

Take a break

Your break time is valuable. Sit back, close your eyes and try not to do anything related to your work. Or take a walk, look at distant objects, and exercise your eyes. This can ease the tension on your eye muscles as well as your nape and your back.

Blink

Your eyes can get dry from staring at a single object for long periods. Try blinking for a few times to spread your tears evenly on the eye surface.

Clean the air

Smoke emanating from cigarettes and other sources can make the eyes sore. Put out those cigarettes and let your eyes take a break from all the urban pollutants.