Understanding Asthenopia: Eye Strain and Fatigue
Asthenopia is commonly referred to as the tiredness or discomfort in the eyes. It usually occurs when the eyes are over-worked due to the prolonged use of the eyes, especially during activities that demand sharp visual focus, such as reading, using digital screens, or working under dim lighting.
Digital revolution and its impact
The world has become more digital with the rapid growth of technology. Traditional methods of consuming information, such as flipping through newspapers or curling up with a good book, are being transformed into digital platforms.
Today, people of all ages are glued to their screens. Students have replaced textbooks with digital devices, watching TV, streaming movies, scrolling through social media, or gaming.
This shift has made accessing information faster and more convenient, increasing the demands on our eyes. Just like any other part of our body, our eyes can get tired from overwork and feel sore, exhausted, and strained, leading to what we know as eye strain or asthenopia.
Prevalence of asthenopia
Asthenopia, or eye strain, can affect people of all ages, though its prevalence varies across different age groups. Around 12.4% to 32.2% of individuals under 18 experience symptoms of asthenopia. The prevalence is even higher among students and young adults, with up to 57% of those under 30 reporting eye strain, mainly due to prolonged screen use.
Causes of asthenopia
Asthenopia, or eye strain, is caused by several factors that can contribute to discomfort and fatigue. These include the following:
- Prolonged screen time, whether on computers, smartphones, or tablets, is a major contributor, as it forces the eyes to focus for long periods.
- Poor lighting conditions, such as dim or harsh lighting, can make the eyes work harder. Reading for extended periods without breaks.
- Improper posture while working or studying further strains the eyes.
- Uncorrected refracted errors increase the risk of eye strain.
- Reduced blinking, leading to dry eyes.
- Environmental factors like dry air and high screen brightness or glare.
Symptoms of Asthenopia
Asthenopia can be categorised into internal and external symptoms, each affecting different parts of the eye and the visual experience.
Internal
Internal symptoms of asthenopia include eye fatigue, blurred vision, double vision, and difficulty focusing. These occur due to fatigued eye muscles, uncorrected refracted errors, anomalies in muscle functions, or from extended visual tasks.
External
External symptoms involve dry eyes, watery eyes, sensitivity to light, and eye irritation. Environmental factors like poor lighting or long screen time often trigger these.
How to treat and improve asthenopia
Eye strain is preventable and can be relieved. If you suspect vision issues contribute to your eye strain, visit an eye care professional for an eye exam.
Here are a few practical steps to protect your eyes:
- Rest your eyes: Follow the 20-20-20 Rule, take a 20-second break every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away, Blink frequently to prevent dry eyes, and get enough sleep.
- Adjust screen brightness: Match screen brightness to the surrounding light to reduce strain, and use proper lighting according to the surroundings.
- Maintain good posture: Sit at an appropriate distance and keep a neutral posture.
- Wear corrective lenses: Use glasses or contacts to correct any vision issues, as your Optometrist prescribes.
- Use anti-glare screens: Anti-glare filters can help reduce screen glare, easing the strain on your eyes.
LumiLab guides, webpages, and articles discussing optometry and ophthalmology are intended only for educational and informative purposes and do not serve as medical or professional advice.
The information presented, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material, is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician, optician, or other health care professional if you have questions about your eye health or vision.
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