About this topic
Eyestrain happens when your eyes get tired. Your eyes may hurt or itch. Eyestrain is common and often not serious. Lifestyle changes may make it go away. ‚
What are the causes?
- Using your eyes intensely, like when reading, driving, or working on a computer
- Trying to see in poor lighting
- Needing glasses or a new strength of glasses
What are the main signs?
- Eyes are tired, sore, or itchy
- Headache
- Blurred eyesight or seeing double
- Red eyes
- Neck or shoulder pain
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor will want to talk about your daily activities that might be causing your eye strain. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Your doctor may tell you to rest your eyes. Avoid reading, using the computer, and other activities that can make your signs worse.
- Your doctor may teach you some eye exercises to ease eye strain.
- Your doctor may give you glasses to wear when reading or using the computer.
Are there other health problems to treat?
If your eyestrain is caused by a problem with your eyes, your doctor will treat this first. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Make sure your computer is at least 20 inches from your eyes. It should be at a slightly downward angle.
- Make sure you have enough light when reading.
- Reduce glare when using a computer.
- Lower shades or move your computer so it is not directly in light.
- Use a glare filter on your computer.
- Keep your computer monitor clean. Dust and smudges can cause glare.
Will there be any other care needed?
- Apply a warm compress to your eye for 10 to 15 minutes a few times each day to help with pain.
- Learn how to massage your eyelids and the muscles around your temples. Do this when your eyes feel tired and while you take a break.
- Rest your eyes. Try to limit the computer and TV until your eye strain gets better.
- If you wear glasses, your doctor may change the strength of your prescription.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Take eye breaks often. Every 15 to 20 minutes, look at something far away for at least 20 seconds.
- See your eye doctor regularly, especially if you wear glasses or contact lenses.
- Protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses when going outdoors.
- If you have dry eyes, use eye drops. Ask your doctor about the right eye drops for you.
- Try to blink more. When our eyes are busy with reading or the computer, we tend to blink less.
- If you have diabetes, blood pressure, or heart problems, see your eye doctor more often.
Where can I learn more?
American Optometric Association ‚
http://www.aoa.org/x9452.xml ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚