What Women Should Know About Eyestrain

One complaint that we all suffer from occasionally is eyestrain. What causes it and what can you do?

At one time or another, most of us suffer from some form of eyestrain. Our eyes may become red-rimmed and irritated, they may feel tired after close or prolonged work; or strong light may feel too harsh for them. If the strain continues, persistent headaches may develop. In most instances, eyestrain corrects itself, but it is irritating and unnecessary, and can often be easily avoided.

Eye defects

The most common cause of eyestrain is defect, which can be remedied by wearing glasses. If you are long-sighted, short- sighted or suffer from astigmatism, your eyes may become strained by trying to compensate. Another defect is presbyopia, the loss of the ability to use the near-focusing eye muscles; this happens to all of us as a natural consequence of ageing. 

Nothing can be done to prevent the defects themselves, since they are a combination of heredity and the natural growth and development of the eye. Nor can glasses of contact lenses actually cure these conditions. Their function is to compensate for the defects, restoring normal vision and alleviating eyestrain. 

Since eye defects can develop at any time of life, but particularly as you approach middle age, it is worth going for regular check-ups father than waiting until trouble starts. Many opticians recommend the first check-up at three years of age; another at six and thereafter one every two or three years, until you reach your forties, after which a yearly check-up is advisable. If you wear corrective lenses, you should visit the optician about once every 18 month.

Eye Exercises That Work!

Corrective Lenses 

Once a day glasses should be cleaned with a clean, soft cloth or lens-cleaning paper, the lenses should first be moistened to prevent scratching, either with special cleaning fluid of ordinary tap water. Always keep your glasses in a case when not in use, and never place them lens-down on a surface. If the lenses become scratched, have them replaced immediately. 

Contact lenses are particularly vulnerable to scratching and chipping, and should be checked regularly by our optician for flaws you may not notice yourself, but which will irritate your eyes. Avoid putting the lenses on a hard surface, and handle them only with the pads of your fingers – not that nails. Always use the cleaning fluid recommended for your type of lens; in emergency use plain water. 

Light as a Factor

You can temporarily strain your eyes through bad lighting or over-exposure to harsh light. The correct set-up for reading or other close work is with the light source located behind you, and directed towards the page. Avoid over long periods of close work or watching television; if you feel your eyes getting tired, take a break for a few minutes. 

In general, the eyes are able to adapt to most types of light, but over-long exposure to harsh sunlight can result in strain and headaches. People unused to strong light or those who have to drive long distances in bright light often find it helpful to wear tinted glasses. Be sure before you buy any sunglasses that they provide sufficient protection against glare.  Cheaper sunglasses will not harm your eyes, but the more expensive photo chromatic type that alter shade depending on the sun’s intensity are good value because they are likely to be sturdier and their lenses will create less distortion. If you already have corrective lenses, you can simply fit tinted clip-ons over your normal frames. 

There is no harm in wearing tinted lenses indoors, and some people who spend long periods under intense fluorescent or studio lighting find that wearing tinted glasses can reduce eyestrain. The colour of the tint is entirely a question of personal taste. 

Protective lenses should, however, always be worn when there is a risk of exposure to high levels of ultra-violet light. When reflected from snow, it can lead to ‘snow-blindness’, so it is wise always to wear goggles when skiing.

Ultra-violet sun lamps, too, can burn the cornea badly, and should never be used without the goggles provided with the equipment. If eyestrain symptoms are persistent, and a visit to the optician fails to locate the cause, you should see your doctor. Tension, lack of sleep, poor diet and other health problems can all contribute to eye fatigue, and it may be an indication of a more general problem that needs medical attention.

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