Tips for Eye Strain Relief

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Eye strain is one of the most common complaints our Brunswick, Jesup, and St. Marys, GA eye doctors hear from patients. With the average adult spending at least 7 hours staring at screens every day, it’s little wonder. Here at Vision Source Family Eye Care, we coach our patients on tips to avoid and relieve eye strain. If these tips don’t help, schedule an appointment to visit us because eye strain can also be a symptom of other conditions, like dry eye.

Eye Strain Symptoms

  • Blurry vision
  • Double vision
  • Tension headaches
  • Extra teary or dry eyes
  • Itchy, tired, sore, or burning sensations in the eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Having a hard time focusing

In addition to excessive screen time, eye strain symptoms can accompany any activity where you need long-term visual attention, including reading, studying, crafting, sewing, driving, drawing, painting, etc. Using our tips should help resolve these eye strain symptoms.

1. Ergonomic Tips to Prevent Eye Strain

Adjust your surroundings in whatever area you are working to reduce eye strain. If you’re working on screens, consider adding better lighting, using a glare filter, and sitting in a chair that supports good posture and a straight-ahead screen view. Clean screens and glasses frequently to remove smudges and dust. If you’re driving, adjust your seat and point the vents away from your face.

2. Use the 20-20-20 Eye Break Rule

As you work throughout the day, set a timer to take eye strain breaks according to the 20-20-20 rule:

  • Stop any intense, focused eye activity every 20 minutes.
  • Focus on something at least 20 feet away from you.
  • Stare at the object for 20 seconds.

Our eye doctors in Brunswick, St. Marys, and Jesup also recommend taking a “natural light” walking break outside to let your eyes relax.

3. Blink

When you’re concentrating intensely on your work, your eyes naturally blink less. During your eye breaks, remember to blink. Blinking spreads tears over the eyes, helping to keep them lubricated.

Eye Strain Treatment from the Eye Doctors Jesup, Brunswick, and St. Marys Families Rely On

If following these eye strain relief tips doesn’t help as much as you’d hoped, schedule an appointment with us at the Vision Source Family Eye Care closest to you, so we can diagnose any problems and get your eyes the help they need.