Do you ever notice that your eyes feel tired after a long day staring at your computer screen? Were your eyes tired after a recent road trip?
These are some signs that you could be suffering from eye fatigue. While eye fatigue can be annoying, it is not usually serious.
It will often go away after you rest your eyes or take other necessary steps to reduce eye discomfort. But for some patients, developing eye strain can be a sign that you are developing an eye disease.
Keep reading for 8 signs that your eyes could be suffering from fatigue!
What are the signs associated with eye fatigue?
There are many signs connected to eye fatigue. Here are common signs to look for:
- Sore eyes
- Irritation
- Difficulty focusing
- Having dry or watery eyes
- Blurry vision
- Double vision
- Developing a sensitivity to light
- Experiencing pain in your back, neck or shoulders
When you are experiencing symptoms from eye fatigue, it can make it harder to focus and be productive. Make sure to get enough sleep.
This is an easy way to let your eyes rest and give them time to replenish themselves.
What are the ways I can prevent eye fatigue?
There are a lot of things you can do to prevent eye fatigue. If you work at a computer, you should try to keep it at a distance of 20-26 inches.
This is a bit below eye level. Clean any dust or smudges off the screen. Don’t forget to use an anti-glare filter on your screen.
Most importantly, select monitors that swivel or tilt. This will give you the ability to adjust them as necessary.
As for your work environment, use an adjustable chair and change the lights. These are the easiest ways to reduce any glare or reflections from windows or reflective surfaces.
While you are working, make sure to practice the 20-20-20 rule. This rule is quite simple. Every twenty minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something that you can focus on that’s twenty feet away.
This helps your eyes reset and allows the tiny muscles in your eyes to refocus. Not sure you can remember to take frequent enough breaks?
Write yourself a note and put it on your desk! Even something as simple as a note that says blink can help.
If your eyes already feel fatigued, keep a washcloth at your desk. Using warm water, you can make this into a makeshift compress while your eyes are closed.
Don’t forget to keep artificial tears at your desk if your eyes feel dry! Another tip you can try is to find a small humidifier for your desk.
This will add a little bit of extra moisture into the air while you’re working. Dry eyes are one of the easiest ways to end up with eye fatigue.
When should I see an eye doctor?
If you have tried some of these solutions for resolving your eye fatigue without any relief, see your eye doctor. Also, if you think it could be worse than eye fatigue, seeing an eye doctor is worth it.
If you have eye discomfort, headaches, double vision, or any changes in vision, see your eye doctor.
Are you over the frustration of having fatigued and dry eyes? Schedule an appointment at Omaha Eye & Laser Institute in Lincoln, NE! There’s no reason to continue suffering any longer!
