Does eyestrain keep you from doing your work on the computer? Take preventative measures to avoid eyestrain—and get your work done. Organize a functional workspace, modulate light exposure, and keep your eyes healthy overall.
The Basics of Eye Strain
Eyestrain is a symptom that manifests when you over-exert your eyes over an extended period of time, through activities such as reading or viewing an electronically-lit screen.
Eyestrain may include one or a combination of the following:
- Pain and tension around the eyes and/or temples (which can spread to the head, neck and back)
- Eye dryness and/or redness
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
- Headache
- Difficulty performing visual tasks
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
Eyestrain isn’t known to lead to permanent damage of the visual system, but it can keep you from doing your work. The causes of eyestrain vary for each individual, and may change for an individual over time. The three main types of causes are: inadequate workspace set-up, inefficient lighting, and lack of proper eye care. Let’s look at how to address all three to avoid eyestrain.