These are termed tension headaches or eye fatigue although
they sound like too many a diagnosis for a consequence of long time use in the
eyes. More than hours on a computer screen is covered along with other lousy
lighting and other uncorrected vision issues. Learning what these eyestrain
headaches cause, how to look for them and what is involved in the treatments
would relieve their pain.
Asthenia, or eye strain, is what happens when eyes are tired from overworking: caused by reading, working on a computer, or having to read small print. In this condition, the symptoms may be caused by:
- Eyestrain or Dryness: Dry, itchy, or burning eyes
- Blurring and double vision
- Inability to focus
- Sensitivity to light
Headache around the forehead, temples, or the back of the head
Causes of Eyestrain Headaches
The causes of eyestrain headaches are mentioned below:
Eye strain caused due to excessive usage of computer, tablet, and mobile. The reason behind is the emission of blue lights coming from the screen that irritate or fatigue eyes.
- Incorrect Lighting: There exists a condition, known as good
lighting, leading to eyestrain. Any work carried out indoors under very dim
light or even under fluorescent light sources may result in eye strain.
- Uncorrected Vision Problems: The defect may be
near-sightedness, far-sightedness, or astigmatism. Any of these can contribute
to problems relating to proper vision correction. Failure to wear the
appropriate glasses or contact lenses can result in eyestrain.
- Eye Conditions: At times, eye conditions contribute to
headaches. These include dry eye syndrome and cataracts that can cause greater
eyestrain.
- Poor Posture: The use of poor postures sitting very close or
sitting away from screens tends to strain the neck and shoulder and thus brings
on tension headaches.
- Stress and Fatigue: Psychological or physiological stress
often proves to be the precursor for most headaches. They can induce spasms
within the head, neck, and the shoulder area.
- Common symptoms that are a sign of eye strain headaches,
including but not limited to, include:
- Headache: The pain can be described as dull and throbbing or aching in the forehead, temples, or the back of the head.
Eye Strain Symptoms
Dryness, irritation, or burning sensation in the eyes
- Blurry vision: things are not clearly viewed, especially
after a long time of reading or screen time.
- Photophobia. The brighter the lighting will be the cause of
pain or the worsening of the headache.
- Fatigue: usually, a person feels tired or fatigued. This is experienced when for a long period visual work is undertaken.
How to Diagnose Eyestrain Headaches
Full eye examination and history taken from the patient help in the diagnosis of an eye strain headache. An eye care professional can perform the following tests:
- Visual Acuity Test: This test is carried out to see how one
can read an eye chart to ascertain whether their eyes require corrective lenses
because they lack refractive errors.
- Refraction Test: Refractive errors are thus confirmed using
the type of test through testing to see to what extent light bends as it leaves
the eye.
- Eye Health Check-Up: He or she might necessitate a proper
check-up whether a person may require treatment, for example conditions like
dry syndrome eye and even cataract.
- Evaluation of the Work Setup: Lighting in the work setting, distance to the screen from the eyes and posture during working or reading have been found to be contributory factors.
Remedies for Eye Strain Headaches
The treatment for eyestrain headaches commonly incorporates lifestyle, eye care plus medical. Here are some treatments that help to alleviate the symptoms;
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1. Reconfiguring Screen Exposure
The 20-20-20 rule is one of the ways to control ocular tension as with every twenty minutes, spend a twenty-count gazing at anything which is two and twenty paces away
2. Design an ergonomically correct workstation
Adequate lighting in workplaces where employees are able to
use this lighting.
Reduce reflections off screens on which employees are able
to move or change from bright conditions by making use of anti glare screens to
change what is seen by changing the reflective light coming back onto them.
Screen Positioning: Position computer screens at eye level, at a distance between 20 to 30 inches from eyes.
3. Correction Wear
Prescription Glasses: In refraction errors, appropriate
prescription spectacles or contact lenses would remove the headaches.
Computer Glasses: Computer glasses are a type and specific kind of eyeglasses that have been specifically crafted for the purpose of offering less of an impact of glare and better comfort when it comes to eyesight.
4. Break Periods
Regular Breaks: Develop the habit of regular breaks between working. At least stand, stretch, and walk around hourly
5. Exercising
Eye Relaxation Exercises: Rolling the eyes or focusing on
distant objects will relax the muscles of the eye.
Palming: Rub the palms of the hands to produce warmth and then place the palms of the hands cupped over the closed eyes for a few minutes to relax the eyes.
6. Stress Control
Relaxation Techniques: should also perform physical relaxation exercises such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga in a bid to fight general stress.
7. Hydration
Hydrate Yourself: Drinking lots of water will ensure that the eyes remain moist thereby eliminating dryness and irritation.
8. Artificial Tears
Eye Drops Artificial tears for eye lubricant are available over the counter which help soothe the irritation of the eyes and offer comfort.
9. Professional Help
Consult an Eye Care Professional: If headaches are not relieved after making any necessary adjustments then consult an eye care professional or neurologist for other conditions as well.
Prevention of Eyestrain Headaches
Preventive measures may reduce the incidence and severity of
eyestrain headaches:
Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams to identify and
treat vision problems early on.
Examples of good work practices include sitting correctly,
resting from work often or making changes at the workplace to reduce pressure.
Avoid exposure to blue light in the evening through blue
light filters on devices and blue blockers glasses.
Remain Active: This can, in fact, help decrease overall muscle tension while at the same improving posture.
Conclusion
Eye-stress headaches are one of the most widespread nowadays, in such a world of computers and television. However, once the person is aware of the causes, symptoms, and remedies, then one can handle the irritation as discomfort. They found out that through the right work attitude, good eye hygiene and if one has to get professional help, one can manage to avoid or minimize getting those painful eyestrain headaches, hence leading a much more comfortable and fruitful life.
