How long does eye strain last? Possible symptoms and prevention tips

BenQ

2023/03/30

Are you among the many people suffering from so-called digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome? If so, you're not alone! Up to 90% of us who spend time staring at screens may experience symptoms of eye strain such as discomfort and pain. But fear not! Simple adjustments like taking regular breaks from screens and improving your workspace lighting can help to make your eyes feel better in no time.

In this blog post, we'll learn more about how long eye strain lasts and introduce some symptoms and common causes, plus measures that can help you practice healthy eye care habits to reduce symptoms. Ready? Let's get started!

What is eye strain, and what are the symptoms?

Digital eye strain is a condition that results from prolonged visual activity such as working on a computer or staring at a screen. It can cause several symptoms, including headaches, blurry vision, dry eyes, and neck and shoulder pain.

While the exact cause of digital eye strain is unknown, it is thought to be related to several factors, such as high stress levels, lack of sleep, and poor lighting or blue light exposure. In addition, poor posture during visual activities can contribute to digital eye strain.

To help prevent or relieve digital eye strain symptoms, taking breaks from extended visual activities and practicing good posture and ergonomics are essential. In addition, increasing the amount of light in the work area and using blue light-blocking glasses may also be helpful.

Digital eye strain is a condition that results from prolonged visual activity such as working on a computer or staring at a screen.

So, how long does eye strain typically last? Do more severe cases take longer to get better?

How long does eye strain last? It depends on the individual and the severity of the symptoms. For most people, eye strain is a minor annoyance that may last a few hours after using a digital device. However, for some people with a more severe eye strain, these symptoms can persist for several days. So, yes, the logic of more severe equals longer recovery time holds true here.

For most people, eye strain is a minor annoyance that may last a few hours after using a digital device.

What can you do to prevent eye discomfort and pain? Five tips to reduce eye strain

To prevent eye strain and keep your peepers feeling peachy, try these five simple tips:

Take regular breaks from screen time: every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break to look at something 20 feet away. This will help to reduce eye strain and prevent your eyes from becoming fatigued. Just think of it as a little "eye-cation"!

Adjust your screen settings: make sure that your screen is the proper distance from your eyes and that text and images are clear and easy to read. Adjust brightness, contrast, and text size as needed. Remember, your eyes are precious, so give them VIP treatment!

Improve your lighting: avoid glare on your screen by positioning your monitor away from windows and other bright light sources. After all, nobody wants to see a screen full of glare, it's just not a good look! Use desk lamps or additional task lighting to avoid glare and shadows.

Blink frequently: blinking helps to keep your eyes moist and prevents dry eyes. If you find yourself blinking less when using a digital device, try using artificial tears or other lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes hydrated. And remember, the more you blink, the more you keep those eyes well-lubricated!

Consider computer glasses: special glasses with anti-reflective coating and blue light-blocking lenses can help to reduce eye strain and prevent discomfort and pain. Talk to your eye doctor about whether computer glasses are right for you. Trust us on this one, your eyes will thank you for it!

Following these tips can prevent discomfort and pain from eye strain and keep your eyes happy and healthy. So give your peepers the royal treatment, they deserve it!

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Some common causes of eye strain: lack of sleep, poor lighting, and prolonged screen use

Prolonged screen use

One of the common causes of eye strain is the prolonged use of screens. Staring at screens for too long can strain your eyes, leading to fatigue and eye strain. Your eyes weren't meant to focus on a single point for extended periods, so it's no surprise they can get tired and strained. Plus, the blue light from screens can cause long term damage to your eyes, contributing to eye strain.

Eye strain and high stress levels

Another common link between eye strain are high stress levels. Those can cause eye strain because stress leads to tension headaches. When we're under a lot of pressure, like at work or with money, our bodies release hormones that make the muscles in our head, neck, and shoulders tense up. This can cause a headache, putting pressure on the eyes and causing eye strain. Plus, stress can cause dry eyes and contribute to eye strain in more than one way.

Poor lighting

Poor lighting can be caused by several factors, such as inadequate natural light or lighting that is too dim or too bright. Poor lighting can cause glare, making it difficult to see and leading to eye strain. To prevent eye strain, it is essential to have adequate lighting when working or engaging in other visual activities. This can be achieved by using natural light whenever possible or task lighting to illuminate the area where you are working.

Lack of sleep

Many factors, such as poor sleep habits, stress, or medical conditions, can cause lack of sleep. During sleep, our eyes produce tears that help to keep them moist and healthy. When we don't get enough sleep, our eyes don't have a chance to create these tears, and our bodies and minds don't have a chance to rest and recharge. This will lead to fatigue and other health problems, including eye strain.

To prevent or relieve symptoms of eye strain caused by lack of sleep, it is essential to practice good sleep habits and manage stress levels. This can include setting a regular sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and avoiding caffeine and other stimulants before bedtime.

Poor posture

Finally, poor posture can cause eye strain because it puts unnecessary stress on eyes. When we slouch or hunch over for long periods, our eyes have to work harder to focus, leading to fatigue and eye strain. Not to mention that poor posture can bring about tension headaches, which as highlighted above are also a known cause of eye strain.

But don't worry, good posture can help prevent eye strain! Good posture involves sitting straight with your shoulders relaxed and your head and neck in alignment. This allows the eyes to move and focus quickly, reducing strain and fatigue. So sit up straight, and your eyes will thank you!

Some common causes of eye strain: lack of sleep, poor lighting, and prolonged screen use

When should you see a doctor about your eyesight?

Some examples of situations where you should see a doctor about your eyesight include:

Sudden changes in your vision, such as blurry vision or loss of vision

The sudden appearance of many eye floaters

Persistent eye pain, redness, or discomfort

Symptoms of eye strain, such as headaches, dry eyes, or fatigue

Symptoms of an eye infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge

Eye injuries, such as cuts, scratches, or foreign objects in the eye

Long term eye conditions, such as glaucoma or cataracts

Symptoms of a general health condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, that can affect your eyesight

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. Early detection and treatment of eye problems can help prevent more serious problems and preserve your eyesight.

Tests doctors perform to examine eye strain

There are several tests that a doctor may perform to examine your eye strain. The exact tests that the doctor will perform will depend on your symptoms and the suspected cause of your eye strain. Some of the tests that the doctor may perform include:

Visual acuity test: measures how well you can see at different distances. The doctor will ask you to read letters or numbers on a chart to determine your visual acuity.

Eye movement test: measures how well your eyes move and focus. The doctor will ask you to follow a moving object with your eyes, or to look at different objects at different distances to check your eye movements.

Cover test: checks for any abnormalities in your eye alignment. The doctor will ask you to cover one eye and then the other, and will observe your eyes to see if they move correctly.

Refraction test: measures your need for glasses or contact lenses. The doctor will use a machine called a phoropter to measure how your eyes focus light and will determine the correct prescription for your eyes.

Slit lamp examination: uses a special microscope to examine the front of your eye, including the cornea, iris, and lens, then the retina at the back of the eye. The doctor will use a bright light and a magnifying lens to look for any abnormalities or signs of eye strain.

There are several tests that a doctor may perform to examine your eye strain.

Wrap up

Eye strain is a common problem that many things can cause
Symptoms of eye strain include fatigue, headaches, and blurred vision
The best way to treat eye strain is to find the cause and take steps to remedy it
Some common causes of eye strain are long hours in front of a computer screen, reading in low light, and driving in the dark
There are several ways to reduce or prevent eye strain, including taking breaks every 20 minutes, using an anti-glare screen protector, and adjusting the brightness and contrast on your devices
If you experience chronic eye strain, see an optometrist for advice on how to correct the problem

Final thought

Now that you know more about the issue, remember that eye strain occurs after reading, working on the computer, driving, or any other activity that uses the eyes for an extended period. Symptoms of eye strain include headaches, watery or dry eyes, increased sensitivity to light, and fatigue.

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