If you find yourself asking, “Why do my eyes feel tired?” after a long day of work, you’re not alone. With the massive growth of digital devices in recent years, we’ve seen an enormous increase in people experiencing symptoms of eye strain fatigue, also known as eye strain. Following a few practical tips at home and work can prevent and relieve some symptoms of tired eyes.
Eye Fatigue and Eye Strain
Have you ever asked yourself, “Why do my eyes feel tired after driving for a long time?” While eye fatigue or eye strain can have different triggers, you might notice this phenomenon more frequently in the following circumstances:
- After or while driving long distances
- After looking at screens or digital devices for several hours
- When reading or focusing on intricate work (writing, sewing, crafting) for extended periods
In other words, activities that tend to involve concentrated eye use are more likely to trigger eye fatigue, the sensation of tired eyes. Other symptoms of eye strain may include blurred vision, headaches, sensitivity to light, difficulty keeping your eyes open, difficulty concentrating, neck and shoulder soreness, and watery, burning, itchy, dry, or irritated eyes.
Other culprits of eye fatigue include exposure to bright lights or glare, spending too much time in a dimly lit room, stress, fatigue, or an underlying eye condition (such as dry eyes or uncorrected vision).
Digital Eye Strain
Why do my eyes feel tired more than they used to? Your screens may be to blame. According to some estimates, two out of every three people in the United States experience symptoms of digital eye strain. Digital eye strain, which the American Optometric Association also calls “computer vision syndrome,” is caused by the extended use of computers and other digital devices. If you look at screens for work or personal use for more than two hours each day, you’re more likely to experience digital eye strain.
Tips to Prevent Eye Fatigue
Temporary eye strain or eye fatigue is prevalent, and while it can be annoying, in most cases, the discomfort from eye fatigue can be alleviated as soon as you rest your eyes or take other simple steps to reduce your pain. While it is not usually a cause for concern, in some cases, eye strain symptoms may point to an underlying issue. If you’re experiencing new or worsening eye fatigue or have questions or concerns about changes in your vision, it’s best to talk with an optometrist or healthcare professional.
In most cases, though, eye strain and eye fatigue can be improved by making simple lifestyle changes:
- Adjust your computer monitor so it’s about an arm’s length away and at or below eye level.
- Clean the screen regularly, as dust, fingerprints, and smudges can affect contrast and create issues like glare.
- Use a glare filter for your screen.
- You can adjust screen settings (including type size, brightness, and contrast) to a level that is comfortable for you.
- Make sure the lighting in the room you’re working in is bright enough
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Take a longer break (about 15 minutes) every two hours when looking at a screen for long periods
- If you wear contact lenses, give your eyes a break by wearing glasses. Keep your glasses clean and smudge-free, as dirty glasses can reduce contrast and cause eye strain. If you spend a lot of time in front of a computer, consider investing in glasses or contact lenses designed specifically for computer work.
- Using artificial tears may help reduce symptoms of eye strain temporarily. However, if you suffer from dry eyes or watery tears, it’s important that you schedule an eye exam to discuss treatment options with your doctor. You may suffer from Meibomian Gland Dysfunction — and if that’s the case, our dry eye treatment could be a game-changer.
- Remember to get regular eye exams: new or worsening eye fatigue can sometimes indicate an uncorrected or new vision problem that will improve with corrective lenses or a new prescription.
If you have more questions about new or changing eye fatigue, scheduling an appointment with your eye doctor is the best way to get answers. If you live near southwest Missouri, contact Heffington’s.
Since 1975, the Heffington family has assisted the Springfield community with top-quality eye care and affordable eyeglasses and contacts. One of the unique features of our family-owned business is that we manufacture lenses at our laboratory, giving us total control over the service and pricing, and we’re happy to pass our savings on to you. To learn more about our products and services, please get in touch with us online, send an email to [email protected], or give us a call at 417-869-3937 (Optiland location) or 417-882-3937 (House of Vision location). We look forward to hearing from you!