Family doctor Margarita Varkalienė says that eye fatigue does not always mean just excessive visual strain, according to a press release from the health solutions center “Antėja”.
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“When working long hours on a computer or using a phone, the eyes experience greater strain due to constant focusing at a close distance and reduced blinking frequency. This can cause eye dryness, irritation, foreign body sensation, redness, or temporary visual discomfort,” says the doctor.
Not only screens harm the eyes
According to M. Varkalienė, the daily environment greatly affects eye condition. Improper lighting, screen reflections, dry indoor air, heating, air conditioning, or long work without breaks can increase eye strain and discomfort.
General body factors are also important: insufficient sleep, stress, fatigue, lack of fluids, or certain chronic diseases. Therefore, sometimes just reducing screen time is not enough.
“Recurring symptoms may also be related to uncorrected vision problems or dry eye syndrome, so if discomfort persists, it is worth assessing the eye condition and consulting a specialist,” notes the doctor.
Dry air and air conditioners can trouble the eyes
The eye surface is protected by a tear film, so environmental conditions directly affect eye comfort. Dry indoor air, air conditioners, heating, or dusty environments can disrupt this protection. In such cases, the eyes dry out faster, causing irritation, redness, sensitivity, or foreign body sensation.
Improper lighting also increases eye strain. Too bright light, reflections, or too dim lighting force the eyes to strain more, especially when working up close.
The doctor advises taking care of the work environment: maintain proper indoor humidity, avoid direct airflow from the air conditioner to the face, take visual breaks, and ensure adequate lighting.
When is eye fatigue no longer just fatigue?
Short-term eye fatigue after prolonged close work or intensive screen use is a common phenomenon. Usually, it passes after resting. However, if symptoms recur, worsen, or begin to interfere with daily life, vision should be checked or a specialist consulted.
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Attention should be paid if constant blurry vision, difficulty focusing, frequent eye strain, headaches after visual work, desire to squint, or increased light sensitivity occur. Also important are recurring symptoms of eye dryness, burning, redness, or foreign body sensation.
“Urgent consultation with an eye specialist is needed if sudden vision changes, visual field changes, newly appeared image distortions, severe eye pain, or other unusual symptoms occur,” emphasizes M. Varkalienė.
Eye comfort also depends on overall health
Eye dryness, sensitivity, or faster fatigue can be worsened by insufficient sleep, prolonged fatigue, stress, hormonal changes, some chronic diseases, or medications. Nutrition and adequate fluid intake also have an impact.
However, according to the doctor, just drinking more water is usually not enough if the cause of eye dryness is tear film disorders, reduced blinking, environmental conditions, or individual health status.
“Prolonged symptoms of eye dryness or fatigue should be evaluated comprehensively, considering not only daily habits but also the overall health condition of the person,” explains the specialist.
Eye check-ups are important not only for glasses
It is important to have preventive eye check-ups even when a person does not feel significant complaints and believes they see well. Eye check-ups allow assessment not only of visual acuity but also the overall eye condition: whether vision correction is needed, the condition of the eye surface, intraocular pressure, and whether there are early changes.
It is especially important not to delay check-ups for those who spend a lot of time in front of screens, experience recurring eye dryness, fatigue, or discomfort, as well as people with a higher risk of eye diseases due to age, heredity, or other health factors.
“Eye check-ups are not just a way to select glasses. They are a preventive measure that helps preserve good vision and timely detect possible changes,” says the family doctor.
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