In today's digital age, our eyes work overtime. From scrolling through social media to working for 8 hours on screen, we put them through a lot. But have you ever experienced that tired, achy feeling after staring at a screen for too long? That's eye strain and it's more common than you might think.

What Exactly is Eye Strain?

Let's break it down. When you focus on something for an extended period, like reading or looking at a screen, your eye muscles have to work extra hard. Over time, this can lead to discomfort and fatigue, commonly known as eye strain. Symptoms may include headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and even neck and shoulder pain.

How Long Does it Last?

Now, you might be wondering how long this discomfort sticks around. Well, it varies. For some people, eye strain is a temporary inconvenience that disappears once they give their eyes a break. But for others, it can stay longer than expected.

Short-term Eye Strain

In most cases, short-term eye strain typically lasts for a few hours to a couple of days. So, if you've spent a long day staring at your computer screen, your eyes might feel tired and achy by the evening. But there’s nothing to worry about. Good sleep and some rest can often help you get some relief.

Factors Affecting Duration

Several factors can influence how long eye strain lasts:

1. Duration of Exposure: The longer you stare at a screen without taking breaks, the more likely you are to experience prolonged eye strain.

2. Screen Settings: Brightness, contrast, and resolution can all impact how much strain your eyes endure. Adjusting these settings to suit your comfort can help reduce discomfort.

3. Individual Differences: Everyone's eyes are different. Some people may be more susceptible to eye strain than others, depending on factors like age, vision problems, and overall eye health.

Chronic Eye Strain

While short-term eye strain is common and usually harmless, chronic eye strain is a different story. If you consistently subject your eyes to prolonged periods of strain without relief, it can lead to more serious issues, such as digital eye fatigue or computer vision syndrome.

Computer Vision Syndrome

Computer vision syndrome is named after problems caused by prolonged use of computers resulting in dry eyes, itchy eyes, red eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and back aches. This can be prevented by reducing the screen time. This problem can be diagnosed and treated through Lipiview and Lipiflow.

1. Lipiview- Digital imaging of the patient’s severity of dry eyes and meibomain gland dysfunction (MGD).

2. Lipiflow- Lipiflow is the Thermal Pulsation System created to open up the blocked glands which allows the body to start the production of lipids required for tear films.

Preventing and Managing Eye Strain

Now, the good news: You don't have to suffer through eye strain indefinitely. There are plenty of simple steps you can take to prevent and alleviate discomfort:

1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This simple practice can give your eyes the rest they need.

2. Adjust Your Workspace: Position your computer screen at arm's length, with the top of the screen at or just below eye level. This can help reduce strain on your eyes and neck.

3. Blink More Often: Sounds simple, right? But when we're focused on a screen, we tend to blink less frequently, leading to dry eyes and discomfort. Make a conscious effort to blink regularly to keep your eyes moist.

4. Use Proper Lighting: Avoid harsh overhead lighting and minimize glare from windows and other light sources. Soft, indirect lighting is best for reducing eye strain.

5. Consider Blue Light Filters: Many devices offer blue light filters or night mode settings, which can help reduce eye strain, especially if you spend a lot of time in front of screens.

When to Seek Help

In most cases, eye strain is nothing to worry about and can be easily managed with rest and self-care. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen over time, it's important to consult eye specialists at Sohana Hospital. Our expert professional precisely diagnoses the problem and guides you accordingly to maintain healthy eyesight.

Eye specialists at Sohana Hospital take proactive steps to care for your eyes and give them the treatment they deserve. They can help you minimize discomfort and keep your vision healthy for years to come. 

So, the next time your eyes start feeling tired and achy, Sohana Hospital is always willing to serve you with the best treatment.