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What is eye fatigue?
Eye fatigue is visual fatigue, expressed in a complex of characteristic symptoms and a desire to reduce the load that led to this feeling. Long-term eye strain leads to fatigue due to a number of reasons. In the modern world, work at the computer comes to the fore.
There is a certain term – asthenopia, which means rapid fatigue of the organ of vision during any visual work. Asthenopia is not a disease, but if you ignore such a condition and continue to strain your eyes, it can develop into serious diseases that can lead to loss of vision. Therefore, it is so important to pay attention to the first signs of eye fatigue, identify their causes and, if necessary, contact an ophthalmologist.
Symptoms of eye fatigue
Regardless of the cause of visual fatigue, the symptoms are similar.
Among them are the following:
Sensation of dryness in the eyes.
Occurrence of eye and headaches.
Profuse lachrymation.
Fast fatiguability.
Redness of the mucous membrane of the eye, dilation of blood vessels inside it.
Pain in the neck, shoulder blades, back.
Feeling of heaviness and burning in the eyes.
The appearance of haze, flashes, flickering points before the eyes.
Difficulty turning the eyes.
Heaviness in the region of the eyelids.
Doubling of the image, sometimes with distortion of the observed image.
Decreased visual acuity.
Irritability.
Increased intraocular and arterial pressure.
The appearance of bruises under the eyes.
Sensation of sand in the eyes.
Do not leave the symptoms of eye fatigue unattended and continue to strain your eyesight. This can lead to such consequences as: stress, emotional and mental stress, decreased vision and the development of ophthalmic diseases.
Causes of eye fatigue
The reasons leading to eye fatigue can be identified:
Any long-term tension of the visual apparatus.
Watching TV. The eyes are especially tired when watching a movie with 3D glasses. Therefore, it is so important to observe the distance to the screen and the time spent in glasses. So that the organ of vision does not overwork, it is important to take a short break every 40 minutes. Modern LED – TVs give less strain on the eyesight, however, the time spent behind the screen has increased. This is where eye strain comes in.
Long reading of literature in print and electronic format.
Incorrectly selected glasses for vision correction. The choice of glasses should be carried out only in conjunction with an ophthalmologist. If, when wearing them, symptoms such as headache and pain in the eyes occur, then this indicates that the organs of vision are constantly in a state of tension. To get rid of the feeling of discomfort, you need to seek the advice of a specialist.
Insufficient lighting in the workplace or incorrect placement of light sources. It is desirable that, in addition to the main light source, there is background lighting around, however, lamps that are too bright should not be used. The desktop should be parallel to the window, and preference should be given to LED lamps.
Excessively dry indoor air. Air that does not have a sufficient level of humidity leads to vision problems even in absolutely healthy people. Under the influence of this factor, dry eye syndrome often occurs, which leads to fatigue of the organ of vision.
Prolonged driving, especially in sunny weather, in winter and at night. Most of all, those drivers who constantly look ahead, afraid to take their eyes off the road, suffer from eye fatigue. Therefore, it is imperative to make stops and give your eyes at least a short rest.
Long work with a smartphone, tablet and other digital media.
Hypertension and hypotension. The cause of increased eye fatigue can be problems with blood vessels. With increased and reduced pressure, the organ of vision experiences an additional load, which leads to rapid fatigue.
Headaches, migraine.
Increased intraocular and intracranial pressure. An increase in pressure creates a load on the organ of vision, and is a consequence of serious diseases, such as hydrocephalus. Therefore, with headaches, a decrease in the level of vision, increased eye fatigue, you should definitely visit a doctor.
Vegetovascular dystonia. People with this diagnosis often complain of pain in the eyes, their increased fatigue, a temporary decrease in visual acuity. The reason is the increase and decrease in blood pressure, which is reflected, among other things, on the vessels of the eye.
Hormonal disruptions and changes in the body. Rapid deterioration of vision, increased eye fatigue, persistent headaches – all this may indicate disturbances in the work of the endocrine gland. Of particular danger is a tumor of the pituitary gland.
Tension of the cervical spine or its osteochondrosis. It is important to understand that osteochondrosis of this department leads to impaired blood flow through the vertebral arteries, cerebral circulation is disturbed, and the connection of the organs of vision with the nervous system is disrupted. All this leads to increased fatigue, and if left untreated, to the development of serious eye diseases: cataracts, glaucoma, retinal degeneration, etc.
Operations on the eyes. taking medications. After any operation on the eyeball, it is necessary to provide the organ of vision with maximum rest. Any, even their slightest stress will lead to overwork. Medications can also have an adverse effect on vision, such as drugs to treat irregular heartbeats, to lower blood pressure, to treat arthritis, etc.
Being in a room with heating appliances or air conditioners. The cause of increased eye fatigue is irritation due to dry air.
Improper nutrition, vitamin deficiency, strict diets. The lack of such vitamins as A, C, B, B2, potassium, polyunsaturated fatty acids leads to a deterioration in the functionality of the eyeball.
Already existing vision problems, in particular, myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia.
Age changes.
Eye fatigue from the computer
When you stay in front of a computer screen for a long time, your eyes experience severe stress. In addition to the fact that they get tired, such unpleasant symptoms as a headache, a feeling of tension in the back and neck join. Vision during prolonged work begins to decline, although the first signs may pass without a trace.
The eyes get tired as a result of the constant flickering on the monitor screen, and the picture remains of the same type. Constant eye strain leads to the fact that blood circulation processes are disturbed in them, and as a result, the organs of vision experience an acute lack of oxygen. In order to somehow compensate for this condition, the vessels in the eyes begin to expand, which leads to their redness. Therefore, if the eyes turn red during prolonged work at the computer, this is a clear sign of their overwork. If this process is left unattended, then in the future a person will develop myopia.
Ophthalmologists around the world are increasingly facing a similar problem, so already in 1998 doctors introduced a new term – computer vision syndrome. According to statistics, up to 60% of people who regularly spend time in front of the monitor experience this syndrome. The reason for its occurrence is the difference between the image coming from the monitor screen and the image on paper. It is self-lit, has a less pronounced contrast, blurry contours and, in addition to everything, flickers. The following factors negatively affect the eyes: incorrect positioning of the monitor, insufficient or, on the contrary, excessive lighting, incorrect monitor settings, etc. In addition, dry eye syndrome joins, which together leads to overwork of the visual apparatus and decreased vision.
In order to minimize harm from the computer, you must follow these recommendations:
Properly organize the workplace. To do this, it is important that the lighting is uniform and sufficient, but not too intense. Bright light sources should be out of sight of a person.
You should not spend more than 60 minutes behind the monitor. The eyes need rest, at least for 5 minutes.
You can use special glasses for working at a computer. They allow you to minimize the harm caused by a flickering monitor, and your eyes will be less tired.
You should not use contact lenses. If you already have vision problems, it is better to use glasses.
You can use drugs that replace natural tears. This will allow the mucous membrane of the eye not to dry out and get less tired.
It is not difficult to understand that a person suffers from computer vision syndrome. It is expressed in the following signs: vision begins to decline, a foggy haze appears before the eyes, objects begin to double, the eyes quickly get tired, eye and headaches occur, dryness and burning appear.
If a person begins to suffer from such problems, then he needs to seek advice from an ophthalmologist.
Eye fatigue from lenses
If contact lenses are worn for a long time, this will lead to fatigue, irritation and dryness of the organs of vision, even when they have been correctly fitted. Ease of use, convenience and affordability have made lenses very popular. However, in some cases they can not only be beneficial, but also cause significant harm, including depriving a person of sharp vision.
Fatigue and pain in the eyes occurs if the lenses are not removed throughout the day, even after the person comes home. You shouldn’t sleep in them. It is necessary to immediately get rid of them, as soon as there is no urgent need for lenses.
It is equally important to change lenses after they have reached the end of their useful life. This is indicated in the instructions, and similar information can also be obtained from the seller. It is important to correctly calculate the life of the lenses. It starts from the moment the lenses were first worn, not by the number of days in use.
In order to prevent a viral or bacterial infection from joining eye fatigue, you should not give lenses even for fitting to another person.
While wearing lenses, for the purpose of prevention, it is worth using drops of artificial tears. This will help the eyes not to dry out, which means less tired and ill.
It is fatigue from contact lenses that is the first sign that it is time to remove them. If you leave it unattended, then in the future it will lead to redness of the eyes, the occurrence of pain and decreased vision.
In order for the lenses, in addition to everything, not to become a source of eye disease, it is important to properly handle and store them. For this, special solutions with disinfecting properties are commercially available.
The best solution would be to wear disposable lenses, since with prolonged wearing of reusable lenses, a person may experience hyperpapillary conjunctivitis. Its symptoms are expressed in eye fatigue, a feeling of clogging, a feeling of discomfort. This condition occurs against the background of the fact that prolonged contact of a disinfectant solution for storing lenses and tear protein causes inflammation of the inner eyelid. This pathology is treated for a long time, using drops from the group of glucocorticoids, and antihistamines will also be required.
How to relieve eye fatigue?
In order to relieve fatigue from the eyes, regular breaks in work are necessary. Do not strain your eyes for more than an hour. A pronounced effect is given by special gymnastics, which will unload the visual apparatus.
Eye exercises
To do this, perform the following exercises:
Perform circular movements with the eye orbits, first clockwise, and then against it. The total number of rotations is 10 times.
The head should remain motionless, first you need to take your eyes to the left, then look straight ahead, and then turn them to the right. Movements must be done slowly.
Only the eyes should move, it is necessary to look up as much as possible, and then lower them all the way down.
Firmly squeeze and unclench the eyelids, this exercise can be repeated 20 times.
To increase the amount of tear fluid and prevent the eye from drying out, it is necessary to blink them frequently, at least 50 times.
Perform diagonal eye movements, while for a few seconds you need to fix them at the extreme upper and lower points.
Stick a piece of paper on the glass, and then going close to the window, fix your eyes on it. After that, transfer it to an object behind glass, located far away.
Exercises for the neck and upper shoulder girdle help to effectively relieve fatigue from the eyes. Movements can be any – rotations, tilts, turns.
After the gymnastics is done, used green tea bags or cool cotton swabs can be applied to the eyes. It is important to use drops that moisturize the mucous membrane of the eyes, this will help them experience less stress and fatigue. They can be used as needed when there is a feeling of discomfort and dryness in the eyes.
Palming helps to quickly get rid of fatigue. This term was introduced by the ophthalmologist W. Bates in the last century. To perform palming, you need to sit down, rest your elbows on the table, fold your palms and cover your eyes with them, but so that they do not touch them. In this position, you need to stay up to 3 minutes, breathing deeply.
It will help to get rid of fatigue and eyebrow massage. It is performed with two fingers – ring and index. One lies at the beginning of the eyebrow arch, the second at its end. Rotational movements are made, then the fingers move slightly higher. The end of the massage is stroking the eyebrows.
With the help of such simple actions, you can remove fatigue from your eyes and continue working without harm to your eyesight.
Fatigue eye masks
Masks are an effective way to relieve fatigue from the eyes; you can prepare them yourself.
Recipes for masks to relieve the feeling of tension and overwork from the eyes:
You will need half a fresh potato in chopped form. It must be mixed with flour and milk, to a state similar to the consistency of sour cream. The mask should be applied to the area around the eyes and kept for 20 minutes.
If there is no time to prepare a multi-component mask, you can use used tea bags. Better if it is green tea. To do this, you need to pour tea leaves from them and mix it with sour cream. Apply a mask to the area of the lower eyelids, and attach the bags to the eyelids. After 15 minutes, everything must be removed.
A mask based on the pulp of a banana removes fatigue from the eyes. To do this, part of the fruit must be kneaded, mixed with sour cream, kept for 20 minutes and washed off with warm water.
To prepare an ice mask, you need to grind a few ice cubes with a slice of cucumber and a sprig of parsley. Put this mixture on gauze and bring it to your eyes. After 5 minutes, the gauze bags must be removed.
Carrot mask is prepared on the basis of half a vegetable, 2 tablespoons of starch and yolk. All components are crushed and mixed, and then applied to the area around the eyes. After 15 minutes, the composition is removed, and the skin is moisturized with a cream.
Glasses for tired eyes
To effectively fight eye fatigue, special glasses designed for working at a computer help. They act as a light filter, increase visual acuity, increase the ability to distinguish colors. This leads to the fact that the work behind the monitor becomes more comfortable, the eyes get tired much less. Glasses contribute to the fact that the eyes to a certain extent become protected from light damage, this allows you to create not only visual, but also psychological comfort.
In order to choose the right glasses for working at a computer, you first need to visit an ophthalmologist. He will check your eyesight, determine the presence or absence of diseases, a tendency to nearsightedness and farsightedness, and write out a prescription. With it, you can go to the optician and order glasses, or buy already available.
It is important that they have a special coating that can protect the organ of vision from working at a computer. Glasses should sit snugly on the bridge of the nose, but not put pressure on it. The feeling of wearing this accessory should not be unpleasant. It is important to look in different directions, lower your eyes up and down. If anti-computer glasses with diopters are required, then they must be made to order. Only such an approach to the choice of eye protection will relieve eye fatigue and prevent the development of many diseases.
Propolis on the water – a powerful remedy for inflammation and eye fatigue
An aqueous solution of propolis has a very powerful anti-inflammatory effect. It is enough to drip 1 time, and after a couple of minutes you will feel significant relief!
You can prepare an aqueous solution yourself, but it is better, of course, for the eyes to buy ready-made. Currently, this tool can be bought from distributors of the Tentorium company under the name “A-P-V”
But it’s worth saying right away that it stings your eyes a lot, if you don’t want to suffer and endure pain (1 minute), then the medicines listed below are suitable for you.
Eye drops for tired eyes
In order to help the eyes fight fatigue with prolonged eye strain, be sure to use eye drops.
There are the following drops for eye fatigue:
Okutiarz. Eye drops, which include a natural component of human tears, ultra-high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, help to relieve the feeling of dry eyes that occurs after intense visual work at the end of the working day. Non-preservative drops, can be instilled without removing contact lenses.
Cationnorm. The only cationic ocular surface moisturizing emulsion that contributes to the restoration of all layers of tears and relieves even the most pronounced symptoms of dry eyes that occur even in the morning. Non-preservative drops, can be instilled directly on contact lenses.
Oftagel. An eye gel with a maximum concentration of the moisturizing ingredient carbomer, which can relieve the feeling of dry eyes without the need for frequent applications, it can also be used at night as an additional moisturizing agent for the ocular surface.
Taufon. This drug starts the regeneration processes in the tissues of the eye. The active ingredient is taurine. It is necessary to instill 1 drop in each eye, up to 4 times a day. The course consists of 1 month. Allergic reactions are noted as side effects. Do not use in childhood and with hypersensitivity to taurine.
Vizin. These drops have a pronounced vasoconstrictive effect, help get rid of the redness of the eyes, reduce their tension, help relieve fatigue and swelling. The main active ingredient is tetrizoline hydrochloride. The effect comes quickly, within the first minute and lasts up to 8 hours. It is indicated to instill 1 drop in both eyes up to 3 times a day. Vizin should not be used for more than 4 days in a row. Do not use the remedy for the treatment of pregnant women, as well as during breastfeeding. Sometimes when instilled, there may be a burning sensation and tingling, pupil dilation and other side effects. In this case, you should stop using the drug and consult a doctor.
Licontin. The tool helps to moisturize the mucous membrane of the eye, prevents the development of irritation, has an antiseptic effect, eliminates discomfort, is indicated when wearing contact lenses. The drug should be instilled 1 drop up to 6 times a day. You can not use drops with severe irritation of the conjunctiva, with its significant redness.
Hylozar-commode. A drug designed to moisturize the mucous membrane of the eye. Helps to cope with discomfort, dryness, burning eyes. Can be used when in a room with dry air, while wearing lenses, during a significant visual load. Do not use in case of intolerance to the components of the drops. Bury 1 drop 3 times a day.
Oxyal. Drops that help eliminate dry eyes, quickly eliminate all symptoms of fatigue, irritation of the organ of vision, help get rid of hyperemia. Can be used for contact conjunctivitis, during prolonged eye strain, while driving a car, with dry eye syndrome. It is necessary to apply as needed, instilling 1 drop into the conjunctival sac. Do not use in case of intolerance to any component that is part of the drops. There are no other contraindications to their use.
Systein. Drops are used to eliminate irritation and dryness of the eyes, they help to cope with all the symptoms of eye fatigue, effectively and quickly removing them. It is necessary to dig in 1 drop when the need arises. Can be used while wearing contact lenses, in childhood, during pregnancy and lactation. However, you should first consult with your doctor, as the remedy can be addictive.
Prevention of eye fatigue
The most important condition for maintaining vision is the prevention of eye fatigue. The main condition for this is the alternation of the mode of work and rest. Even if professional activity is inextricably linked with the constant presence in front of the monitor screen, driving a car or other types of work that require eye strain. Always take a few minutes to rest your eyes.
It is important to perform special exercises for the eyes during rest. They help relieve eye strain. If possible, eye compresses should be used.
It is equally important to properly organize the workplace, paying special attention to the quality of lighting.
Visiting an ophthalmologist should be a mandatory annual event. You can not postpone going to the doctor if you have reduced vision or other problems. It is the ophthalmologist who will help determine the choice of drops designed to relieve fatigue from the eyes. Their use is an effective measure to prevent eye fatigue.
When working at a computer, you should adhere to established standards, correctly set up the monitor, and maintain a certain distance from the eyes.
Do not forget about wearing glasses for vision correction and protection from the harmful effects of computer radiation. If possible, it is worth limiting the time of use of contact lenses, while choosing and storing them correctly.
All infectious eye diseases must be detected in time, self-medication is not allowed, as this is fraught with serious consequences.
Author of the article: Degtyareva Marina Vitalievna, ophthalmologist, ophthalmologist