Eye fatigue and eyestrain is something we all experience and, probably, way too often. In today’s world of gadgets, we’re almost always staring at some form of screen, be it a computer, a phone, or a tablet of some kind. Obviously, hours of this will tire your eyes but things like reading, writing, and driving can wear out your eyes as well.

More often than not, the symptoms of eye fatigue are just annoying but in a few cases, eye fatigue can indicate additional health issues, especially when you’re experiencing headaches or a significant change in vision with the strain.

How many times a day do you notice your eyes becoming either really dry or extremely watery, irritated, and even experiencing blurry vision? These symptoms of eyestrain certainly make the sufferer uncomfortable and can easily decrease your productivity.

Luckily, taking a few simple steps at home or at work can prevent eyestrain and eye fatigue. Check out these tips from organizations such as Get Eye Smart, Prevent Blindness, and the National Eye Institute:
 

• Place your computer screen at least 20-26 inches away from your eyes. Positioning the screen slightly below eye level can also help prevent further straining of your eyes.

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds.

• Take breaks! We know you’re busy but when you’re suffering from eye fatigue, it’s better to give yourself (and your eyes) a rest instead of powering through and potentially having your work suffer.

• Use artificial tears when your eyes get extra dry. However, if you’re using tears frequently, you may need to visit your eye doctor for a better, longer term solution.

• Change the lighting in your home or office. Make sure the lighting reduces glare and any reflections.
   

If you take the necessary steps to prevent fatigue but you’re still experiencing discomfort or changes in vision, it might be time to visit your eye care professional. Make sure you explain to your doctor how many hours a day you spend in front of a computer, a TV, or any time that you spend driving or reading, along with the specifics of the symptoms you’re having.

Contact us today if you think it might be #TimeForAnEyeExam.