Eye fatigue â€“ also called eye strain â€“ has grown increasingly common in our modern era of computers and screen-based electronics. If you work in front of a computer screen for a living, you are probably aware of how strained your eyes can feel at the end of each day. Around 65% of adults and 87% of children use computers on a daily basis at home, at school, or in the office.
Computer Vision Syndrome
Eyestrain due to computer use is calledÂ Computer Vision SyndromeÂ (CVS). The millions of tiny pixels that make up the images and words you see on a computer screen force your eyes to make constant micro-adjustments. As your eyes shift back and forth to maintain focus, they can become taxed to the point where your vision actually declines over time.
Studies have shown that CVS also increases your stress levels and lowers your overall productivity.
Other Causes of Eye Fatigue
Although computers are the most common source of eye strain, any activity that forces you to focus on the same object for a long period of time can cause eye fatigue. Eyes tend to become tired more quickly by focusing on near distances, but switching rapidly between near and far distances can quicken your fatigue as well.
Some examples of activities that cause eye fatigue include:
- Watching TV
- Baseball (especially pitching)
Apart from these activities, certain environmental factors can contribute to eye strain, such as low light levels, glare, brightness, and poorÂ computer ergonomics. Obtaining computer glasses or reading glasses can help reduce symptoms of eye fatigue for some patients.
Symptoms of Eye Fatigue
The most common consequence of eye strain is a tension headache. When combined with poor posture and muscle fatigue, eye strain headaches can become chronic and painful.
People also experience other symptoms of eye strain, including:
- Eye spasms/twitches
- Blurred vision
- Dry eyes
- Burning eyes (even when closed)
Chronic eye fatigue can also be a contributing factor in learning and attention problems.
If you live in the New York City area and are experiencing symptoms of eye fatigue, pleaseÂ contact our experienced New York eye surgeon Dr. James Kelly today to learn more about our treatment options. The Kelly Laser Center also serves patients in the Manhattan and Long Island areas of New York.