Eye Strain: Relief, Symptoms and Treatment of Eye Strain

Ever since computers and other similar devices become common place in society, new diseases or newer versions of old ones, such as eye strain and its latest incarnation, Computer vision syndrome, have also began to crop up. One of the most prevalent of the current crop of diseases or illnesses, eye strain has almost become an inescapable reality for many workers and students as the use of computers and other devices is now considered a necessity.

As more and more people suffer from the condition, the search for its relief, treatment, and symptoms has also been given priority. Aside from the continuous search for the most effective remedies and treatment for the illness, also high on the list not only of medical practitioners but also of ordinary people is the aim to understand what may be considered the modern human being’s disease.

Getting To Know Computer Vision Syndrome

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a condition that develops in almost 100 percent of people who spend many hours of the day sitting in front of computers, or to be more precise, absorbing the glare emitted by the monitor. CVS is a relatively new health condition that has come with the advancement in technology. The condition is generally temporary and is caused by sitting in front of a computer for long, successive hours. Its prevalence has caused the development of many supposed remedies for the various known symptoms of the condition. The condition is known to go away on its own as soon as the eyes are rested. However, in some cases, the manifestation of CVS becomes a precursor for more serious eye conditions that need medical intervention.

Understanding CVS is very important especially among office workers because of the reality that a vast majority of what people do in their jobs and daily lives involves computers in one way or another. CVS symptoms start to manifest the moment the eyes are stretched to their limits and visual stress sets in. Sadly, many people wait until eye strain occurs before they realize that their eyes are already overworked.

Putting the Reins on Computer Eye Strain

Preventing eye strain through self-control or self-discipline has been an ongoing advocacy of many doctors and even governments in the hope of bringing down the number of people who regularly suffer from computer vision problems. Indeed, if statistics can be relied on in measuring the prevalence of, and ironically, the lack of understanding about, the condition, then it can be honestly said that CVS or eye strain is an epidemic affecting the workforce and the computer-using public like other known Repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and bursitis, among others.

Hence, it is very important that the people who are most affected by the condition must also be the in the forefront in seeking remedies and better yet, ways to prevent the occurrence of this sometimes debilitating condition. In Sun Tzu’s military strategy treatise The Art of War, the great Chinese general said that knowing yourself and your enemy is important in winning battles. Thus, the need to know the causes, symptoms, remedies, and other important aspects of eye strain is important in defeating the condition or illness.

Keeping an Eye on Eye Strain Symptoms

The good news is that eye strain is not known to cause permanent damage or eye problems. The bad news is that there are many known symptoms of the condition that it is not unusual to feel any one of them during the course of a normal day. The question now that begs to be answered is how does one identify Eye strain symptoms? The key is sensitivity to one’s body. Among the most common symptoms of the condition is eye fatigue, whose manifestation may either be soreness, tiredness, burning, itching, or dryness of the eyes. Watery eyes could also be interpreted as a sign that CVS is setting in. Also, when the eye has had enough of glare from the video terminal display for a particular stretch of time, blurriness and double vision may also manifest.

The thing with eye strain is that its symptoms are not limited to the eyes. Other parts of the body can also show effects of CSV. Among these symptoms are soreness of the back and the neck, shoulder pain, and eye strain headache, which is a result of the pressure absorbed by the eye muscles. Eyes blurred vision may also set in as well as double vision. If a combination of these symptoms is present, then it is very likely that a person is already suffering from eye strain.

To understand the symptoms, the most common eye strain causes are also worth knowing. Prolonged use of computer and other similar devices, as well as exposure to too much glare can cause eye strain. There are other activities that do not involve computers which may cause eye strain, such as reading for extended periods without rest and even driving can cause Eye strain symptoms to appear.

Eye Strain Treatment for Your Betterment

Unlike other illnesses, Eye strain treatment does not involve drugs. Generally, taking one’s eyes away from the glare of the computer monitor for several minutes and focusing on other things, preferably those that are several feet away can help alleviate symptoms. Some doctors also recommend doing eye exercises to prevent the eyes from getting used to focusing only on things that are near. For headaches, sore neck, back, and pain, a few minutes of massage can help a person feel better.