If you’ve noticed that your eyes get tired, itchy, or red at the end of the day, you might be experiencing eye fatigue. Eye fatigue, or eye strain, occurs when people are focusing on one thing for an extended period. You could start to feel this if you work with computers, are driving on a road trip, or decided to finish that new book in one day. Eye fatigue is not a severe medical concern, but if your symptoms become painful, visit your optometrist. Here’s what you should know about this condition. 

Causes of Eye Fatigue

Looking at your cell phone or computer screen for extended periods is one of the most common causes. The American Optometric Association refers to this as computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain. With social media and gaming apps, it’s easy to look at your phone for hours. However, if you use your phone for two or more hours straight, then you could be straining your eyes. 

Other common causes include: 

• Exposure to blue light or glare on computer screens
• Driving long distances
• Reading for an extended amount of time without taking breaks
• Dim workspace
• Lack of sleep 

Signs of Eye Fatigue

If you think you have eye fatigue, there are several symptoms to watch out for. The most common signs of this condition include:

• Dry, sore, or itching eyes
• Blurred vision
• Headache
• Trouble concentrating
• Dry or watery eyes

How to Prevent Eye Fatigue

If you spend a significant amount of time looking at your phone or a computer screen, optometrists recommend the 20-20-20 rule. You look at your screen for 20 minutes, and then you take a break by looking at an object that is at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. 

Other ways to prevent eye fatigue include:

• Adjusting your lighting so your phone isn’t brighter than the room. 
• Adjusting your phone settings to make the text bigger, lower the brightness, and lower the color temperature. 
• Taking long breaks away from screens throughout the day. 

If you would like eye care from a reliable optometrist, call Kato & Shoji Optometrists in Honolulu, HI. They offer an array of services, from routine exams to LASIK eye surgery. They use the latest advancements in eye care technology to ensure you receive the best treatment. If you’d like to make an appointment for eye fatigue concerns, go to their website or call (808) 735-8080.