Been staring at screens all day or diving into a book binge and now your eyes feel like they’ve run a marathon? Eye strain happens to the best of us. The good news is, it’s usually not serious and tends to go away after a few hours of giving your eyes a well-deserved break. But why wait for the discomfort to hit? There are plenty of easy ways to keep your eyes happy.
And hey, if your eyes have been working overtime and feeling off lately, it might be time to give them some extra love and schedule an eye appointment to ensure everything is in check.
What Is Eye Strain & How Does It Happen?
Eye strain, or asthenopia, is a common condition that occurs when your eyes get tired from intense use. Activities like staring at screens, driving for extended periods, reading without breaks, or working in poor lighting can put your eyes through the wringer.
The underlying issue is that your eyes are working overtime to compensate for certain challenges. For instance, screen glare or poorly lit spaces force your eyes to strain harder to focus. Over time, that extra effort can leave your eyes feeling worn out and fatigued.
While eye strain isn’t typically dangerous, it’s definitely uncomfortable and can interfere with your daily routine.
How Long Does Eye Strain Typically Last?
Now to the big question, how long will your eyes bother you? For most people, mild eye strain symptoms may last between a few hours to a day. Once you’ve had a chance to rest your eyes and step away from the activity causing strain, the discomfort typically subsides.
What Can Affect the Duration of Eye Strain?
The duration of eye strain can vary based on how much stress your eyes endured and how quickly you take measures to counteract it. Here are some influencing elements:
- Screen time: Spending hours at a computer or phone without regular breaks can prolong your symptoms significantly.
- Lighting conditions: Dim lighting or excessive glare can worsen strain and make it take longer for your eyes to recover.
- Uncorrected vision issues: If you wear glasses or contacts but they’re not up-to-date, your vision correction might not reduce enough strain on your eyes.
- Hydration levels: Dry eyes caused by dehydration or poor moisture in your environment can aggravate symptoms.
If these scenarios sound familiar, making small adjustments could help reduce the length of your discomfort.
Can Eye Strain Last for Days?
While most cases of eye strain clear up quickly, you may wonder if it’s normal for symptoms to persist. For some, eye strain can occasionally linger for multiple days, especially after long exposure to screens or if the underlying cause isn’t resolved.
If symptoms stick around for more than 2—3 days or you experience significant pain, sensitivity to light, or blurry vision that won’t go away, it could indicate something more serious. Conditions like uncorrected vision, chronic dry eye, or even an eye infection might be at play.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, if symptoms persist, visit your optometrist to rule out any underlying problems.
Common Symptoms of Eye Strain & How to Relieve Them
Eye strain often arrives with an array of uncomfortable symptoms, including:
- Sore or tired eyes
- A feeling of heaviness or itching
- Blurred or double vision
- Headaches, especially around the temples
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- The sensation that your eyes are dry or watery
Remedies usually include rest and simple lifestyle changes. Try these tips to soothe overworked eyes:
- Adjust your screen brightness and reduce glare using a matte screen protector.
- Blink more frequently to keep your eyes hydrated.
- Use artificial tears to combat dryness.
- Engage in the 20-20-20 rule, every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Dim ambient lighting and use a warm desk lamp for close-up tasks.
Other Tips & Tricks to Reduce Eye Strain
- Cool compress: Place a cold pack or a clean, damp cloth over closed eyes for quick relief.
- Palming technique: Rub your hands together until warm and cup them gently over your closed eyes to relax your eye muscles.
- Adjust posture: Sit up straight and position screens at the correct height to reduce neck and eye strain.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water and keep the air around you humid with a small humidifier if necessary.
When Should You See an Optometrist for Eye Strain?
Most cases of eye strain aren’t cause for concern, but there are instances when you should reach out to an optometrist. It’s time to book an appointment if:
- Your symptoms persist for several days or weeks.
- You experience significant eye pain or intense headaches.
- Your vision deteriorates or becomes blurry.
- You notice increased light sensitivity or redness.
A professional eye exam can identify whether any underlying issues, like a need for updated glasses or a condition like dry eye syndrome, are causing prolonged discomfort.
Protect Your Vision with Proactive Eye Care
Your eyes work tirelessly for you, so it’s essential to recognize when they need a little TLC. By understanding what causes eye strain and following smart prevention techniques, you can reduce symptoms and enjoy clear, comfortable vision.
Still struggling with persistent symptoms or wondering if your screens are harming your eyes? Book an appointment with WIlloughby Doctors of Optometry.
