Eyestrain

EYE STRAIN

Other names for eye strain are eye fatigue and asthenopia.

Eyestrain is a common condition that occurs when your eyes get tired from intense use, such as while driving long distances or staring at computer screens and other digital devices.

Eyestrain can be annoying. But it usually isn’t serious, and it goes away once you rest your eyes or take other steps to reduce your eye discomfort. In some cases, symptoms of eyestrain can indicate an underlying eye condition that needs treatment.

Symptoms

Eyestrain symptoms include:

Sore, tired, burning, or itching eyes
Watery or dry eyes
Blurred or double vision
Headache
Sore neck, shoulders, or back
Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling that you cannot keep your eyes open

Causes

Common causes of eyestrain include:

Looking at digital device screens
Reading without pausing to rest your eyes
Driving long distances and doing other activities involving focusing for a long time
Being exposed to bright light¹ or glare
Straining to see in very dim light
Having an underlying eye problem, such as dry eyes or uncorrected vision (refractive error)
Being stressed or fatigued
Being exposed to dry, moving air from a fan, heating system, or air-conditioning system
Playing video games
Not blinking enough

Computer and digital device use

Extended use of computers and other digital devices is one of the most common causes of eyestrain. The American Optometric Association calls this computer vision syndrome. It’s also called digital eyestrain. People who look at screens for two or more hours in a row every day have the greatest risk of this condition.

Computer use strains eyes more than reading print material because people tend to:

Blink less while using computers, and blinking is key to moistening the eyes.
View digital screens at less than ideal distances or angles.
Use devices that have glare or reflection.
Use devices with poor contrast between the text and the background.

In some cases, an underlying eye problem, such as eye muscle imbalance or uncorrected vision, can cause or worsen computer vision syndrome.

Some other factors that can make the condition worse include:

Glare on the screen
Poor posture
Computer workstation setup
Circulating air, such as from air conditioning or a nearby fan

Prevention and cure for eye strain through Ayurveda

Shatkarma: This is a combination of six techniques that help to cleanse the body of toxins. Among the six, Neti and Tratak are remedies to take care of eye health.
Always use cool or normal water to clean your eyes. Never use hot or icy cold water to splash on your face or eyes.
If your body is hot due to the climate, wait for the body to cool down to normal temperature before you splash cool water on your face. Abrupt temperature changes should be avoided.
Anjana: Anjana is an Ayurvedic preparation applied to the inner part of the eyelids to promote good eye health. Regular use helps maintain good eye health.
Padaabhyanga: Regular application of oil beneath the feet is drishtiprasada, which means it increases the health of the eyes.
Nasya: Application of medication through the nasal passage helps to improve all health organs, including the eyes.

Causes to avoid:

Ushnabhitasptasya jalaprevesham: Imbalance of temperatures between outside and inside homes, or immediately taking a shower after sun exposure.
Doorekshanat: Vision distortion due to over-reliance on one kind of eye work. This can be due to various reasons and medical conditions.
Krodha, Shoka & Bhaya: Ayurveda says that eyestrain is also a result of constant fear, anger, and grief. This is simply because of exertion of the eyes during times of emotional strain.
Vega vinigraha: This is a leading cause of eyestrain in many people. It is the suppression of natural urges of your body.
Viruddha Ahara: Basically means incompatible food; this relates to more spicy, sour, or salty tastes in food. This can also be a reason for eyestrain.
Ratri Jagarti: Means having insomnia or delayed sleep, which causes severe strain on the eyes.