You’ve been focused on a project for hours, and when you finally look up from your screen, you notice it. Your eyes feel tired, achy, and heavy. It’s a feeling many of us know well in a world full of prolonged use of digital devices and detailed tasks.
For many people, the tired feeling in their eyes is temporary and fades after a break. However, eye fatigue can last for several days if the source of the strain continues. It’s your body’s way of telling you that your eyes need some attention, and our team is dedicated to helping you find relief.
What Is Eye Fatigue?
Eye fatigue is simply a feeling of tiredness or discomfort in your eyes after intense use. It’s a common issue that can happen after activities that require long periods of focus, leading to symptoms that can persist if unaddressed. You might notice it after you:
- Read books or small print
- Use a computer or digital device
- Drive long distances
Common Causes of Eye Strain
You can experience eye fatigue for many reasons, but today, digital eye strain from screens is a frequent cause. Your eyes work hard all day, and certain situations can make them work even harder. Some common causes include when you:
- Focus on one task for a long time
- Sit in a space with poor light, either too dim or too bright
- Feel tired or stressed
- Have an unaddressed vision problem like chronic dry eye
- Use poor posture when you view a screen
- Hold a device too close or too far from your eyes
Signs and Symptoms of Tired Eyes
When your eyes are tired, they can let you know in more ways than one. The symptoms can even show up in other parts of your body, and you may experience a few of these signs at the same time. Common symptoms can include:
- Sore or tired eyes
- Blurred or double vision
- Watery or dry eyes
- Headaches, which can be linked to dry eye syndrome
- Pain in your neck, shoulders, or back
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty with concentration
When Eye Fatigue Points to Something More
If eye fatigue happens often or doesn’t seem to go away with rest, it could be a sign of an underlying eye condition. Your eyes might be working overtime to compensate for a vision issue. A routine visit to your eye doctor can help determine the cause of persistent discomfort.
Dry Eye Disease
Your eyes need proper lubrication to feel comfortable and see clearly. When your tears don’t provide enough moisture, you can experience a gritty, strained feeling. This condition is known as dry eye disease.
Nearsightedness and Farsightedness
Refractive errors like nearsightedness and farsightedness affect how your eyes focus light. If you have one of these conditions without the right vision correction, your eye muscles work harder. This extra effort can lead directly to fatigue.
Presbyopia
As we get older, the lenses in our eyes naturally become less flexible. This condition, called presbyopia, makes it more difficult to focus on close objects. Trying to read a menu or a text message can cause significant eye strain.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens of your eye has an irregular shape. This can cause light to focus unevenly, leading to blurry or distorted vision at all distances. Your eyes may constantly try to adjust, which can lead to strain and headaches.
Simple Ways to Relieve and Prevent Eye Strain
You can build simple habits into your day to help reduce the frequency and intensity of eye fatigue. These small changes can make a big difference in how your eyes feel. If you’re concerned about ongoing symptoms, the team at an eye doctor can provide personalized advice.
Practice the 20-20-20 Rule
This is an easy one to remember and practice, especially if you work at a computer. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something at least 20 feet away. According to the 20-20-20 rule, this short break gives your eye muscles a chance to relax.
Adjust Your Screen and Workspace
Creating an eye-friendly workspace can help reduce strain. A few simple adjustments can improve your comfort throughout the day. Try to make these changes to your desk setup:
- Position your screen an arm’s length away
- Keep the screen at or slightly below eye level
- Adjust brightness and contrast to comfortable levels
- Use a screen filter to reduce glare
Remember to Blink and Stay Hydrated
When we stare at screens, we tend to blink less often, which can dry out our eyes. Make a conscious effort to blink more, and consider using artificial tears to keep your eyes moist. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water helps, too.
Wear Proper Eyewear
Wearing the correct, up-to-date prescription for your glasses or contact lenses is a key step in preventing eye strain. If your prescription is old, your eyes have to strain to see clearly. Our eye doctor can perform a comprehensive eye exam to check your vision needs.
Relieve Eye Fatigue
Your eye health is an important part of your overall wellness, and you don’t have to live with the discomfort of frequent eye fatigue.
At Great Hills Eye Care, we’re here to help you with personalized attention and a friendly approach. If you’re looking for an eye doctor in Pflugerville, North Austin, or Georgetown, we invite you to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with us. Our convenient location, with a separate entrance at the Costco warehouse, and our same or next-day appointments make it easy to get the care you and your family need, so schedule a visit with us today.
