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What causes eye fatigue?

Some common causes of eye fatigue and eye strain are:

1- Prolonged use of digital devices

When we look at digital screens for prolonged periods, we tend to blink less frequently, which causes our eyes to become dry and irritated. Additionally, our eyes work harder to focus on the tiny pixels that make up digital text and images. This constant focusing and refocusing can cause eye strain and fatigue.

2- Extended reading or writing

Our eyes can become dry and irritated when we read or write for an extended period. When we read or write, we often hold our devices or books at a fixed distance, which can cause the eye muscles to become fatigued.

3- Bright lights and poor lighting

Eyes work harder to adjust to the intense light, leading to eye fatigue, headaches, and muscle tension. In addition, if you work in an environment with harsh overhead lighting or poor lighting, it can create glare on your computer screen, which can cause additional eye strain.

4- Uncorrected vision problems

Individuals who are nearsighted, farsighted, or astigmatism may experience eye strain when focusing on objects at certain distances.

5- Poor posture

Poor posture or holding your head at an awkward angle while reading or using a computer can cause strain on your neck, shoulders, and eyes. For example, if you are slouching in your chair, you may be too close or too far away from your computer screen, which can make it harder to focus your eyes and cause eye fatigue.

6- Environmental factors

Air conditioning, smoke, or dust exposure can also cause eye strain by triggering allergic reactions that lead to eye irritation and discomfort. This can cause the eyes to become red, itchy, and swollen, which can lead to eye strain.

Common eye fatigue symptoms

You can experience one or more of these eye strain symptoms:

Sore/tired eyes

Dry eyes

Watery eyes

Itching/burning eyes

Blurred/double vision

Sensitivity to light

Sleepy eyes

Headache/dizziness

Sore neck and backIssues in concentrating

Tips to preventing eye strain

These valuable tips can help prevent eye fatigue:

1- Adjust computer screen brightness

Adjust your computer’s screen brightness to help improve reading conditions and minimize eye stress. Using a glare filter on a computer screen can also decrease eye tiredness.

2- Make your work environment more comfortable

Use an adjustable desk to work at the correct angle while keeping the computer screen at a suitable height that doesn’t stress your eyes.

3- Remember the 20-20-20 rule

Following the 20-20-20 rule can help reduce eye strain stress. This rule advises taking a break after 20 minutes of working at a computer and looking at an item 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It will give your eyes much-needed rest and prevent eye exhaustion.

4- Wear glasses, if needed

Schedule an eye exam with your optometrist to get a diagnosis. Then, one of our opticians will show you the different lenses and options for your needs.

Still have issues with eye fatigue? Schedule an appointment with one of our optometrist to reduce your eye strain symptoms.