Eye strain occurs when your eyes become fatigued from excessive use, such as staring at a computer screen or reading for an extended period of time. Although eye strain is seldom related to headaches, it can be a contributing cause. It is important to consult an eye doctor, Katy, Texas.
In this post, we’ll look at the link between eye strain and headaches, as well as preventative and treatment options.
Understanding Eye Strain
Asthenopia occurs when your eyes are fatigued from continuous use. The following symptoms may occur:
- Eye discomfort
- Dryness Redness
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty focusing
Can Eye Strain Cause Headaches?
While eye strain itself doesn’t directly cause headaches, it can contribute to them in several ways:
1. Tension Headaches
The most common cause of tired eyes is eye strain, which is also the most common cause of headache. Tension headaches are characterized by mild to moderate pain and a sensation of tightening or pressure in the forehead, temples.
The back of the head and neck. The development of tension headaches may be caused by screen fatigue, stress and poor posture as a result of staring at the screen for long periods without taking breaks.
2. Visual Disturbances
Additionally, optic nerve is affected when straining of eyes happens and it results in blurred vision or double vision as visual disturbances. Apart from visual discomforts such as headaches, you are likely to experience this as you look at objects that seem to be blurry and you might want to squint more.
3. Poor Posture
Another problem that comes with the misuse of digital devices is that it can lead to you having problems with your eyes and headache. For example, you can feel the strain of the muscles on the neck and shoulders when you sit at the computer or smartphone all day long, and the tension headache is a result of it.
4. Blue Light Exposure
The blue light produced by electronic devices evokes changes in your internal clock and digital eye problems that make you suffer from headaches. The late exposure to the blue light that night can also affect your sleep system and cause insomnia, headache, and some other type of sleep disorders.
Preventing and Relieving Eye Strain and Headaches
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent and relieve eye strain and headaches:
1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
The rule of the thumb is that you should take regular breaks in between using any digital device by following the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, you should look at something that is at least 20 feet away for about 20 seconds. This can be helpful in reducing eye pressure and avoids acute headaches.
2. Adjust Your Workspace
Position your computer screen so that the screen is on the same level as your eyes, and at a comfortable distance from your eyes, which is about an arm’s length away. Set the brightness and contrast of your monitor at a lower level in order to reduce glare, and install an anti-glare screen if it’s necessary.
3. Use Proper Lighting
Make sure that your work environment has good lighting in order to prevent eye fatigue. Avoid direct lighting from the ceiling and do not let sunlight and overhead lights affect the view. By using desk lamp, task lighting, anyone can get enough lighting for reading and computer work.
4. Take Regular Breaks
Do your eyes good by giving them the rest they so much need. Stand up, stretch, and gaze at some distance away from your computer screen to relax your eye muscles. This will reduce your risk of getting tired eyes and headaches.
5. Use Artificial Tears
If you get dry eyes, use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops for moist maintenance and hydrate your eyes. It will relieve the pressure on the eyes and lessen the symptoms such as headaches.
6. Limit Screen Time Before Bedtime
To limit your exposure to blue light and have quality sleep without bedtime headaches, please do not use devices before bedtime. A good way to start is by using blue light filters or screen protectors on your devices and, of course, setting up a bedtime routine that helps you unwind before your bedtime.
Conclusion
Eye strain, however, is a side effect that triggers headaches, but pausing frequently, adjusting the workspace, correct lighting and minimizing screen time before going to bed will be highly helpful in de-straining the eyes and reducing headaches. When you have a regular or serious headache, get a health care provider checked to rule out any medical conditions that might be causing it. Taking good care of your eyes and keeping good habits will be beneficial in the long run and help you avoid those annoying headaches.