You’ve been staring at a screen for hours, and now your eyes feel tired, achy, and just plain overworked. It’s a familiar feeling for many people in today’s increasingly digital world. This discomfort is often called eye strain, and it happens when your eyes get tired from intense use. At Queensway Optometric Centre, we know you’re probably wondering 1 thing: How long do you have to put up with it?
Usually, the discomfort from eye strain fades within a few hours after you rest your eyes, sometimes after a good night’s sleep or going for a walk outside. If the feeling sticks around, scheduling an eye exam with our team might be your next step to finding relief.
How to Know You Have Eye Strain
Eye strain can show up in a few different ways, and the signs can be more than just tired eyes. You might notice a combination of symptoms that pop up after you focus on a task for a long time.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Though it feels different for everyone, you may be dealing with eye strain if you experience:
- Sore, tired, or scratchy eyes
- Dry eye symptoms or watery eyes
- Blurred or double vision
- Headaches
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Difficulty concentrating
Common Causes of Tired Eyes
Your daily habits can definitely contribute to eye strain. The discomfort usually comes from activities that require your eyes to focus for a long time without a break.
Activities That Can Lead to Eye Strain
Some common activities that can lead to tired eyes include:
- Looking at screens for a long time
- Reading without taking breaks
- Driving long distances
- Being exposed to bright light or glare
- Having an uncorrected vision problem
How Long Does the Discomfort Last?
Eye strain is usually a short-term issue that gets better once you give your eyes a break. The exact timeline depends on what caused it and how much you let your eyes relax.
For Most People, It’s Short-Lived
For many people, symptoms of eye strain will begin to fade within an hour or so of stopping the activity that caused them. A full night of rest is often all it takes for your eyes to feel refreshed and back to normal.
When the Feeling Lingers
If your eye strain doesn’t go away after a day or seems to happen all the time, it might point to an underlying issue. Constant discomfort could mean your vision prescription needs an update or you have a condition like dry eye, which can sometimes contribute to headaches.
Quick Tips for Eye Relief
We know how uncomfortable eye strain can be, but we want you to know you don’t have to just wait for it to disappear. You can take steps to soothe your eyes and help them recover more quickly and comfortably.
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
When on a screen or reading something up close, every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple trick, often called the 20-20-20 rule, gives the focusing muscles in your eyes a much-needed break from close-up work.
Adjust Your Environment
Make sure your room has proper lighting that isn’t too dim or too harsh. You can also reduce glare on your screen by adjusting its brightness and contrast to match the light level around you.
Blink More Often
When you stare at screens, you tend to blink less, which can dry out your eyes. Making a conscious effort to blink more helps keep your eyes moist and refreshed.
When You Need an Eye Exam
If you have tried these tips and your eye strain still doesn’t seem to be going away, it may be time to seek a professional opinion. Persistent eye strain is a clear sign that your eyes are asking for a little more help.
If Home Care Is Not Enough
A comprehensive eye exam can begin to get to the bottom of what’s causing your discomfort. Sometimes, the solution is as simple as a new pair of glasses. Other times, you may need dry eye treatment to help your eyes feel a little more comfortable. An optometrist in Mississauga can perform a thorough check to see what’s really going on.
Book Your Appointment
Our entire team at Queensway Optometric Centre knows how frustrating it can be when your eyes feel uncomfortable, and you feel like you’ve tried everything. We want you to know that we’re here to provide a detailed assessment and suggest ways to help your eyes feel great. Book an appointment to give everyone in your family the care they deserve.
