Eye Fatigue: Causes and Solutions for Your Discomfort

Q: Eye Fatigue: Causes and Solutions for Your Discomfort

Hello： Based on your symptoms, it is possible that you have 1. <br>Trigeminal Neuralgia 2. <br>Allergic Conjunctivitis 3. <br>Most likely： Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). <br>It is recommended to refrain from using the computer and take a few days to rest; if you notice improveme

Recently, I've been feeling a lot of eye fatigue?

Recently, I have been experiencing significant eye fatigue, particularly in my left eye.
After the left eye improved, I started to feel fatigue in my right eye, although it is less severe than the left.
Typically, when I apply light pressure to the left eye socket, it hurts, but when it improves, I have to press harder to feel pain.
In contrast, pressing firmly on the right eye socket only causes mild discomfort, unlike the left.
Could this be what is commonly referred to as eye strain? I am a bit concerned because I spend almost every day online, sometimes for one or two hours, and other times for three or four hours.
I do take breaks in between! I also allow my eyes to rest during lunch and dinner, so I wonder why I feel so uncomfortable.
Could it be due to significant changes in day and night or seasonal variations? I have allergic sinusitis, so I am wondering if it is related to my allergies.
I have experienced similar issues in the past, but they were not as severe.
Previously, when I visited an ophthalmologist, I was prescribed eye drops and was told I had keratitis.
This time, the symptoms are more severe, causing me considerable fatigue, and I have been sleeping an extra half hour as a result.
This has been ongoing for one to two weeks! I truly hope to recover soon.

Liu Yi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/01/07

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: Based on your symptoms, it is possible that you have 1.
Trigeminal Neuralgia 2.
Allergic Conjunctivitis 3.
Most likely: Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).
It is recommended to refrain from using the computer and take a few days to rest; if you notice improvement, it is likely CVS! If there is no improvement, please consult an ophthalmologist for further examination.
Common symptoms of CVS include red eyes, dry eyes, soreness, light sensitivity, and fatigue, which may also be accompanied by headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and back pain.
A small percentage of individuals may experience worsening vision and difficulties with focusing at different distances.
Statistics show that up to 75% of people who use a computer for more than 6 hours a day experience these symptoms.
This is due to prolonged use of the eyes in an air-conditioned environment, combined with prolonged sitting and lack of proper breaks, leading to eye muscle fatigue and soreness in other body parts (such as the neck and shoulders).
Over time, this not only compromises health but also reduces work efficiency.
While most people may not be able to choose their work style and mode, we can make small adjustments to improve the situation.

● Place a glass of water on your desk to increase humidity in the space and remind yourself to drink more water.

● Ensure the indoor lighting is bright and soft, with indirect lighting around the computer to avoid screen glare.
Adjust the screen brightness and contrast appropriately; brightness should be moderate, and contrast should not be too low to avoid eye strain.
A white background with black text is generally recommended.

● The screen should be positioned at an angle of 10 to 20 degrees from your line of sight and kept at a distance of 60 to 70 centimeters.

● Since focusing on the computer screen naturally reduces the blink rate, remember to blink frequently to keep your eyes moist.

● It is advisable to take a 5-minute break every half hour of work to reduce eye fatigue.

● Maintain a balanced diet, with increased intake of protein and lutein to prevent premature aging of the eyes.

● Regular eye health check-ups are important; conditions such as dry eye syndrome or blepharitis can exacerbate symptoms, so consult an ophthalmologist if you experience any discomfort, and avoid self-medicating with eye drops.

In summary, prevention is better than treatment.
By paying attention to your work environment and prioritizing eye care, everyone can achieve bright eyes and excellent work performance, resulting in a win-win for health and the workplace.
The causes of this condition are complex; some studies suggest it is due to fatigue of the extraocular muscles and ciliary muscles, as the eye muscles are heavily engaged in focusing (from the computer screen to the keyboard and printed materials on the desk).
This condition often affects individuals nearing 40 years of age, as presbyopia makes viewing images more challenging.
Many middle-aged individuals suffer from dry eye syndrome, and reduced blinking while using a computer increases discomfort.
In fact, this condition is not caused by "radiation" from the screen, as such "radiation" is very low and insufficient to harm the eyes.
Ophthalmologists believe that when computers are used correctly, viewing screens does not adversely affect visual health; however, the issue lies in the fact that many people often overuse their eyes, which is the primary cause of Computer Vision Syndrome.
Medical experts suggest that when the problem involves structural issues with tear secretion, medication may be necessary to supplement insufficient moisture, oils, or proteins.
However, it is important to avoid using eye drops indiscriminately when experiencing dry eye symptoms, as some contain preservatives that can worsen the condition.
Therefore, it is essential to seek medical attention and follow the doctor's medication recommendations.

Reply Date: 2010/01/07

More Info

Eye fatigue, also known as asthenopia, is a common issue that many people experience, especially in our digital age where prolonged screen time is the norm. Your symptoms, particularly the alternating fatigue between your left and right eyes, along with the discomfort you feel when pressing on your eye sockets, suggest that you may be dealing with a combination of factors that contribute to your eye strain.

Firstly, it is important to recognize that eye fatigue can indeed be exacerbated by prolonged use of digital devices. The American Optometric Association suggests that staring at screens for extended periods can lead to a decrease in the frequency of blinking, which in turn can cause dry eyes and discomfort. This is often referred to as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Symptoms of CVS include eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes, all of which seem to resonate with your experience.

The fact that you feel more discomfort in your left eye and that it alternates with your right eye could indicate an underlying issue with your eye muscles or refractive error, such as uncorrected astigmatism or even a slight imbalance in your vision. When one eye is more fatigued, it may lead to compensatory strain in the other eye, creating a cycle of discomfort. It would be beneficial to have a comprehensive eye exam, including a refraction test, to determine if you need corrective lenses or if your current prescription needs adjustment.

Additionally, your history of allergic rhinitis and sinusitis could also play a role in your eye discomfort. Allergies can lead to inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, which can affect the sinuses and, consequently, the eyes. This can result in symptoms such as pressure around the eyes, increased sensitivity, and fatigue. If your allergies are not well-managed, they could certainly contribute to the discomfort you are experiencing.

Seasonal changes can also impact eye health. For instance, during certain times of the year, allergens such as pollen can increase, leading to more severe allergic reactions. Furthermore, changes in humidity and temperature can affect tear production and eye moisture, leading to dryness and discomfort.

To alleviate your symptoms, consider the following strategies:
1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This helps to reduce eye strain and allows your eye muscles to relax.

2. Ensure Proper Lighting: Make sure your workspace is well-lit to reduce glare on your screen. Avoid working in dim lighting, which can cause your eyes to work harder.

3. Adjust Your Screen Settings: Increase text size and contrast, and consider using blue light filters to reduce eye strain.

4. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your body and eyes hydrated. Consider using artificial tears if you experience dryness.

5. Manage Allergies: If you suspect that your allergies are contributing to your eye discomfort, consult with a healthcare provider about appropriate allergy management strategies.

6. Regular Eye Exams: Regular visits to an eye care professional can help monitor your eye health and ensure that any refractive errors are corrected.

If your symptoms persist despite these measures, it is crucial to seek further evaluation from an eye care specialist. They can provide a more tailored approach to your situation and rule out any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your discomfort. Remember, taking care of your eyes is essential, especially in our screen-dominated world.

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