For most people, eye strain is an annoyance. It is usually a temporary condition that is easy to correct by resting your eyes. When it happens, it can make you feel tired and reduce your ability to focus.
Symptoms of Eye Strain
The most common side effect of eye strain is blurred vision. This usually goes away once you give your eyes a rest. A number of other uncomfortable symptoms can also appear, including:
- Burning or itching of the eyes
- Dry or watery eyes
- Neck, shoulder, and back soreness
- An increase in light sensitivity
- Inability to keep eyes open
- Headaches
While symptoms are usually mild, they can cause irritation and affect your ability to complete certain tasks. For example, if you drive long distances, eye strain may hinder your ability to concentrate on what’s ahead of you. This can create a safety hazard that should be addressed before getting behind the wheel.
Causes of Eye Strain
A number of activities and behaviors can bring on eye strain. Some of these you probably do every day. Common causes include:
- Staring at digital devices for extended periods of time
- Reading without giving your eyes a break
- Exposure to intense light or glare
- Straining eyes to see in dim settings
- Driving long distances without stopping
- Experiencing stress or fatigue
- Exposing eyes to moving air for a period of time
If you have questions about eye strain or if you experience symptoms that do not go away quickly, you should talk to a professional ophthalmologist. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians located in southeast Michigan to make an appointment.