Tired eyes: symptoms, causes and treatment

Definition of tired eyes (astenopia)

Eye fatigue or astenopia is a condition when the eyes experience fatigue due to constant use or work. Reading, working at a computer, and traveling long distances for a long time are some examples of activities that risk causing eye fatigue.

Eye fatigue is a collection of symptoms, not a specific eye disease. Usually this can be treated quickly if you rest your eyes.

This condition is generally not an emergency condition. General precautions at home, work, and outdoors can help reduce eye fatigue. However, sometimes, eyestrain is a sign of another condition that requires medical treatment.

How common is this condition?

Astenopia is very common. If you spend more than two hours in front of a computer screen, it's generally easier to develop symptoms.

This condition can occur in patients of any age. Eye fatigue can be treated by reducing risk factors.

Symptoms of tired eyes

According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the most common symptoms of astenopia include:

• Eyes that are tired, sore, or itchy
• Watery or dry eyes
• Blurred or double vision
• Headache
• Pain in the neck, shoulders or back
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Trouble concentrating
• Feeling like you can't open your eyes

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

There are several symptoms of astenopia that make you unable to hold it. You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Discomfort
• Double view
• Significant changes in vision
• Symptoms do not go away after self-treatment

Causes of tired eyes

The American Academy of Ophthamology says that looking at digital devices doesn't actually damage the eyes. However, over time this can cause tension and symptoms that interfere with your vision.

Humans usually blink for 15 times per minute. However, when looking at the screen gadget, the number of flashes will decrease. The blinking can be reduced by half or 3 times as much. This is what causes the eyes to get tired quickly because they are forced to work to focus on the screen without blinking a lot.

In addition, here is a list of common causes of eye fatigue (astenopia):

• Read without pausing to rest your eyes
• Drive long distances and do other activities that require long-term focus
• Exposed to the bright light
• Imposing a look at the dim light
• Have eye problems, such as dry eyes or vision that is not corrected (refraction / refraction errors)
• Stress or fatigue
• Exposure to dry air from fans, heaters, or air conditioners

Risk factors

There are many factors that can increase your risk of astenopia. If you do any of the following, you may experience eye fatigue more often:

• Spending more than four hours per day in front of a computer screen
• Doing activities that make your eyes tired, such as reading for long periods of time, or watching TV for too long
• Live in dry climates
• Haven't had your eyes checked by a doctor to see if you need glasses

Diagnosis & Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is this condition diagnosed?

The eye doctor will ask questions about the factors that may be causing the symptoms. The doctor will also perform an eye exam, including testing your vision.

Stanford Health Care said that eye examinations should be done routinely once a year. Call your doctor when the symptoms of tired eyes don't go away and you start to feel dizzy spells.

Record health conditions up to your questions

• Rank your symptoms and how long you have been feeling them.
• List your health information, including if you have other health symptoms, are taking medication, or are taking vitamins and supplements.
• Note activities that make you experience eye fatigue, such as looking at digital devices, reading, and exposure to light.
• Write down the questions you will ask the doctor. A list of questions will allow you to make the most of your time when you consult your doctor.

How to deal with tired eyes?

Generally, astenopia can be cured by changing your daily habits. However, some people need special treatment for certain eye conditions.

For some people, wearing special glasses for certain activities, such as using a computer or reading, can help reduce eye fatigue.

Your doctor may recommend that you do regular eye exercises to help your eyes focus at different distances.

Home remedies

What are some home remedies that can help treat tired eyes?

This condition can be overcome by changing your lifestyle every day. You can also use the following home remedies to treat tired eye symptoms:

• Adjust the screen lighting of your device
• Take a break from work that requires you to stare at a screen
• Limit screen time
• Use artificial tears to help prevent and relieve dry eyes
• Improve the air quality in the room, such as using humidifier , adjust the temperature of the thermostat to reduce water gust and avoid smoke
• Wear glasses or contact lenses when working at the computer

Prevent tired eyes

To prevent eye fatigue (astenopia), the 20-20-20 method can be the right solution. The 20-20-20 method means, every 20 minutes in front of the screen gadget , rest your eyes for 20 seconds by looking away from the screen gadget to objects that are at least 20 feet (6 meters) from where you are.

Doctors recommend the 20-20-20 method as a habit that must be instilled to maintain eye health, especially in children. Here's the explanation.

20 feet distance

You don't have to bother measuring precisely objects that are 20 feet (6 meters) away. The key, rest your eyes to focus on something far from where you are.

If the room is small, try taking a walk outside for a moment, to a wider area so that your eyes can see many objects that are far away.

Duration 20 seconds

This method only takes 20 seconds to relax your eyes. When resting your eyes, it's a good idea to get up from your seat and move or move a little.

Every 20 minutes

During the 20 minutes in front of the screen, usually the eyes will get tense when looking at the screen. That is why, rest your eyes every 20 minutes to prevent eye fatigue and other eye disorders, such as dry eyes.

To remind yourself when to take a break from looking at the screen every 20 minutes, you can write a text on your screen. You can also set an alarm as a reminder.