https://www.healthline.

com/health/asthenopia

Getting Relief for Asthenopia

What is asthenopia?
Asthenopia is more commonly known as eyestrain or ocular fatigue. It’s a common
condition that occurs when your eyes become tired from intense use. Staring at a
computer screen for long periods or straining to see in dim light are common
causes.

Most of the time, asthenopia isn’t serious and goes away once you rest your eyes.
Sometimes, asthenopia is related to an underlying vision problem, such
as astigmatism or farsightedness (hyperopia).

Symptoms of asthenopia
Asthenopia symptoms can vary from person to person depending on the cause and
any underlying eye problems. The most common symptoms include:

 pain around the eyes

 headache that may be aggravated by using your eyes
 dry or watery eyes
 blurred vision
 burning, sore, or tired eyes
 sensitivity to light
 difficulty keeping your eyes open
 vertigo

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, some people also

experience reflex symptoms from asthenopia. These may include:
  migraine
 nausea
 twitching of facial muscles

Causes of asthenopia
Prolonged use of computers and digital devices has become such a
common cause of asthenopia that it has been dubbed “computer vision
syndrome” or “digital eyestrain.”

Along with staring at screens for extended periods, other causes of

asthenopia include:

 reading for long periods

 staring to see in dim or dark surroundings
 driving long distances
 exposure to bright light or glare
 activities involving intense focus
 being stressed or fatigued
 exposure to dry moving air, such as a fan, air conditioning, or heater
 underlying eye conditions, such as dry eye or uncorrected vision

Home remedies for asthenopia

Most of the time, asthenopia can be treated by making a few changes to
your environment and lifestyle. Here are some tips to help you treat
asthenopia at home.
Adjust your lighting

Having ample light when performing certain tasks, such as reading or

sewing, can help reduce strain and eye fatigue. Place your light source
behind you when performing any type of close work and position it so the
light is directed onto your task.

A lamp shade on a light positioned in front of you is best if you’re working

or reading at a desk. The key is to have sufficient lighting without having it
shine directly into your eyes.

If you’re watching TV, soft or dim lighting in the room will be easier on your
eyes.

Practice smarter screen time

Limiting the amount of time you spend focused on a computer screen or

digital device can go a long way in improving symptoms of asthenopia.
Along with limiting screen time, try the following when working at your
computer or using a digital device:

 Take breaks using the 20-20-20 rule by shifting your eyes to look at

an object at least 20 feet away, for 20 seconds, every 20 minutes.
 Sit at arm’s length — approximately 25 inches — from the computer
screen.
 Position your screen so your gaze is slightly downward.
 Use a matte screen filter to reduce glare when looking at a glass
screen.
 Adjust your screen settings, including brightness, contrast, and type
size so that it’s easier to see.

Check out some ways you can effectively limit your children’s screen time if
they’re having some eyestrain as well.
Take breaks

Asthenopia occurs when your eyes spend too much time focused on
something without taking a break. Whether you’re reading, using a
computer, or driving, taking periodic breaks is important. Look away from
screens or pages periodically, and pull over to rest your eyes when on a
long drive.

Use artificial tears

Over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears help keep your eyes lubricated,

which can relieve or prevent dry eyes caused by straining. Use them even
if your eyes feel fine before sitting down to work at a computer or other
close task.

OTC artificial tears can be purchased in stores or online. Look

for lubricating eye drops that don’t contain preservatives. These can be
used as often as you need and don’t contain chemicals that can further
irritate your eyes.

Examples of preservative-free lubricating eye drops are:

 Refresh Optive Lubricant Eye Drops

 Alcon Tears Naturale Free Lubricant Eye Drops
 Systane Ultra Lubricant Eye Drops

Improve your space’s air quality

Making changes to the air quality in your surroundings, such as using

a humidifier, can help prevent dry eyes. Avoid having air blowing directly at
your face. You can do this by moving your chair away from heating and air
conditioning vents or moving fans or space heaters. When driving, position
vents away from your face.
Medical treatment for asthenopia
Medical treatment for asthenopia is sometimes needed when symptoms
are severe or related to an underlying condition. See an ophthalmologist or
optometrist if you experience any problems with your vision or if asthenopia
continues even after reducing screen time and taking other measures to
rest your eyes.

Medical treatment for asthenopia and related symptoms depends on the

cause and may include:

 glasses
 contact lenses
 refractive surgery
 prescription eye drops

Preventing asthenopia
The best way to prevent asthenopia is to limit activities that cause you to
strain your eyes. You can do this by taking regular breaks when engaging
in tasks that require intense focus, such as reading, driving, or looking at a
computer screen. Limit the amount of time you spend on a computer or
digital device, if possible.

Having regular eye exams is also important to diagnose and treat any
changes in your vision or other eye problems. A baseline eye examination
is recommended at the age of 40, which is when early signs of eye disease
or vision changes are more likely to occur. Have an ophthalmic
exam before that if you experience any changes in your vision or have an
eye disease.
People who are at increased risk for developing an eye disease due
to diabetes or high blood pressure should also see an ophthalmologist or
optometrist sooner.

The takeaway
Asthenopia, though annoying, isn’t serious and doesn’t cause permanent
vision or eye problems. Limiting screen time, taking breaks, and making a
few adjustments to your surroundings and daily habits is often all that’s
needed to improve your symptoms and prevent them from coming back.