Because it is a common condition, particularly among those who read, work at a computer, or drive a car for extended amounts of time, it is important to know the symptoms of eye strain. The condition is not usually serious, but sometimes it can mean a deeper problem, for which you may need to seek professional attention. Acuity laser Eye & Vision Center can help! Because it is a common condition, particularly among those who read, work at a computer, or drive a car for extended amounts of time, it is important to know the symptoms of eye strain. The condition is not usually serious, but sometimes it can mean a deeper problem, for which you may need to seek professional attention. Acuity laser Eye & Vision Center can help!

Symptoms of eye strain include sore, tired, itchy, or burning eyes, watery or dry eyes, blurred vision, sore neck, sore back, shoulder pain, and sensitivity to light. Computer use can aggravate the condition, and additional computer eye strain symptoms include difficulty shifting your focus from paper to monitor, and seeing afterimages when you look away from the computer. If you develop an eye strain headache, a noticeable change in vision, eye discomfort or double vision, and you cannot improve these symptoms,  you should see an eye doctor.

Computer eye strain is one of the most common types of eye strain, but there are other causes as well. Reading for extended times, especially in dim light, and any other activity that involves intense focus for long periods can cause eye strain and eye strain headache symptoms. You are more likely to develop symptoms of eye strain if you are stressed or fatigued, if the air is extremely dry, or if you have an underlying eye problem, especially one that results in dry eye. If you are not aware of an underlying problem, but you have symptoms, eye strain may be the reason you need to seek medical attention, to rule out other conditions.

Often, symptoms of eye strain can be alleviated with home care. Consider these modifications to your behavior, and you may find relief:

• Make sure your light source is sufficient, especially during close up work. Keep the light from shining directly in your eyes, and make sure it is not shining on your computer in a way that creates glare.
• Adjust your computer monitor. For those with eye strain symptoms, computer placement is key. It should be at least twenty inches from your eyes, with the top of your screen at eye level or below.
• Keep your reference materials nearby. Keeping reference materials on the same level as your monitor can keep you from having to constantly readjust your eyes.
• Take frequent breaks. Follow the 20/20/20 rule, and take a 20 second break from the screen every 20 minutes, focusing on a distance object 20 feet or more away. Get up and move around at least every hour, and close your eyes for a few minutes, if possible. Keeping your eyes trained on something for a long period is exhausting, and trained eyes quickly become strained.
• Keep your eyes lubricated. Prolonged computer use can lead to symptoms of dry eye. Make a conscious effort to blink more and, if that does not work, consider preservative free artificial tears. Make sure you are well hydrated at all times. Avoid caffeinated beverages which can dehydrate you.

If none of these home remedies help, contact us. We can provide you with eye strain treatment, and may suggest corrective measures, prescribe gleasses or laser vision correction or recommend eye exercises.

Whether or not you suffer from symptoms of eye strain, it is recommended that you have your eyes checked regularly, to prevent small issues from becoming larger problems. Acuity Laser Eye & Vision Center, under the direction of pioneering LASIK surgeon, Steven Vale, M.D., benefits from his over twenty years of diagnostic and surgical experience. The competent staff is committed to exceptional customer care, and dedicated to improving your eye health. Visit the website for more information or, for regular updates, join our online community on Facebook and Google Plus.