Are your eyes feeling strained, and are you wondering why and what to do about it? Eyestrain is a term applied to several symptoms, but they all involve the straining of the eyes that negatively impacts your vision. Let’s delve into this subject and discuss the best ways to cure eyestrain. 

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Causes & Prevention of Eyestrain 

Eyestrain has several causes that can make it difficult for you to perform visual tasks such as reading a book, working at your computer, or driving long distances. Basically, your eyes can become strained when you use them for an extended time.

There are different kinds of eyestrain, and understanding the cause can help with prevention. So let’s look at four causes of this common problem and the best ways to cure eyestrain in each case.

 1. Blue Light

Computer and laptop screens, tablets, cell phones, and flat-screen televisions all use LED technologies with high levels of blue light. Extended exposure to blue light from digital devices is known to cause eye damage. Reduce the harmful effects of blue light by wearing specialized glasses. 

Blue light also suppresses the production of melatonin – a natural hormone that works to ensure you feel sleepy when the sun goes down. This can be troublesome at night if you spend time on a digital device close to bedtime. Consider applying a curfew to your device!

2. Digital Devices

Another common reason for eye fatigue today is the widespread use of digital screens for hours and hours at a time. Here are some ways to cure eyestrain caused by too much screen time.

  • Follow the 20/20/20 rule during long workdays. After 20 minutes in front of your screen, look at something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. 
  • When possible, shut out bright daylight and reduce your use of fluorescent fixtures. Lower voltage bulbs will give you better ambient lighting.
  • Use an anti-glare matte screen. If you wear glasses, make sure you have lenses with an anti-reflective coating. This helps to improve vision sharpness by allowing more light to reach your eyes.
  • Your computer should be about an arm’s length away from your face and positioned below eye level.
  • Looking back and forth between a piece of paper and your screen can strain your eyes, neck, and head. Use a document stand positioned at a comfortable angle. 

3. Dry Air

Exposure to dry indoor air because of the use of air conditioners can cause eyestrain. The best way to cure eyestrain caused by air conditioners is to invest in a humidifier to make the atmosphere less dry. You should also move away from irritants such as smoke. Moreover, AC ducts may contain bacteria, viruses, or molds that can cause eye inflammation. 

Your car’s air conditioner can cause eyestrain and dry eyes to become worse, so avoid having air blowing directly in your face. 

  • If you have dry eyes because of air conditioning, consider purchasing artificial tears. They are available over the counter and are an inexpensive and easy-to-use way to lubricate your eyes.

4. Long-Distance Driving

Anything that requires intense eye concentration can result in eye fatigue, including driving long distances. Glare from the sun during the day makes driving more difficult on the eyes. Conversely, driving at night also presents challenging visual conditions, including oncoming headlight glare, dim street lighting, and the need to adapt your eyes quickly across a wide range of lighting levels. To lessen the strain on the eyes and preserve your safety, ensure your eyes are well rested before you set off and take frequent breaks. 

  • When driving, wear no-glare polarized glasses to minimize glare from the road or passing objects.

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Final Thoughts

Regular eye exams will help keep your eyes healthy and ensure your problems aren’t caused by something other than normal eyestrain. Annual checkups will also ensure that you find out if you need glasses or if you’re wearing the correct prescription lenses.

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