If your eyes feel tired, sore, or achy after a long day of focused work, you are not alone. Eye strain is a common issue that many of us experience, but it’s just one aspect of overall eye wellness. While it’s usually temporary, it helps to understand its causes, like prolonged screen time, and what you can do to feel better.
The good news is that the discomfort is often short-lived. For most people, eye strain is a temporary issue that can resolve within a few hours to a day once you rest your eyes. The exact duration depends on the cause and how quickly you give your eyes a well-deserved break.
Signs and Symptoms of Eye Strain
Eye strain can feel different for everyone, but a few common signs often point to tired eyes. You might notice one or more of these feelings, especially after focusing on a task for an extended period. These symptoms can make it difficult to concentrate on your work or enjoy your hobbies.
- Sore, tired, or achy eyes
- Watery or dry eyes
- Blurred or double vision
- Headaches
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Soreness in your neck, shoulders, or back
Common Causes of Eye Discomfort
Your daily habits and your environment play a large role in how your eyes feel. Understanding the triggers for eye discomfort is the first step toward preventing it. A few small adjustments can often make a big difference.
Digital Screens
Spending hours on computers, phones, or tablets is a frequent cause of digital eye strain. Staring at digital screens can make you blink less often, which leads to dry, irritated eyes. The glare and contrast from a screen can also force your eye muscles to work harder to focus.
Poor Light and Environment
Trying to read in a dimly lit room or dealing with glare on a screen can tire your eyes quickly. An environment that’s either too bright or too dark forces your eyes to work harder than they should. Proper lighting helps your eyes focus without unnecessary effort.
An Uncorrected Vision Problem
Sometimes, eye strain is a sign that your vision has changed. If you need glasses or a new prescription, your eyes may strain to focus clearly throughout the day. This constant effort can lead to fatigue, headaches, and general discomfort, which an updated eyeglass prescription can often resolve.
How Long Can You Expect Eye Strain to Last
For most people, eye strain is a short-term problem that resolves with simple rest. The exact duration depends on what caused it and how soon you give your eyes a break. Listening to your body’s cues is an important part of managing the discomfort.
Short-Term Relief
Typically, eye strain from a specific activity—like a long drive or an intense work session—fades after you stop the task. You can find relief within a few hours or by the next day. Simply closing your eyes for a few minutes can also provide immediate comfort.
Persistent Discomfort
If your eye strain does not improve after a day or 2 of rest, it might point to an underlying eye condition. Consistent discomfort is your body’s way of telling you that something else may need attention. It’s a signal to look a little deeper into the cause of the problem.
Simple Ways to Find Relief and Prevent Discomfort
You can take simple, proactive steps to ease eye strain and keep your eyes feeling comfortable. These gentle habits fit easily into any routine and support your long-term eye wellness. A little intentional care goes a long way.
Try The 20-20-20 Rule
This is an easy and effective practice to remember. The 20-20-20 rule suggests that every 20 minutes, you look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple action helps relax the focusing muscles inside your eyes and can reduce fatigue.
Adjust Your Workspace and Screen
Position your computer screen about an arm’s length away, with the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level. You can reduce glare by adjusting your lighting or using a matte screen filter. You might also consider specialized options like blue light filtering glasses to enhance comfort. Also consider increasing the text size on your screen to make reading easier.
Take Regular Breaks
Step away from your screen or book at least once every hour. Get up, stretch, and give your eyes a chance to look at different distances and relax. This helps your whole body, not just your eyes.
When to See Your Eye Doctor in Niagara Falls
While most eye strain is temporary, its symptoms can sometimes overlap with other conditions. Issues like chronic dry eye or an outdated prescription can feel like eye strain but may require a different approach to find relief. A thorough check-up is important, as an eye exam differs from a simple sight test and can help identify the root cause of your discomfort.
If you find that home remedies are not enough, it may be time for a professional eye exam. An eye doctor in Niagara Falls can help you find a clear path to lasting comfort. Consider booking an appointment if you experience any of the following:
- Eye discomfort that lasts for more than a few days
- Headaches that persist after you rest your eyes
- Double vision or a significant change in your sight
- Eye strain that keeps coming back
Prioritize Your Eye Today
Caring for your eyes is a key part of your overall wellness. At Eye Wellness, we prioritize listening to your concerns and finding solutions to your problems. If you’re ready to address your eye discomfort, contact our team to book your appointment today.
