It seems that every modern home and workplace is filled with digital devices. In fact, you are probably reading this blog post on a computer or smartphone! Even though computers are convenient for our everyday lives, they can cause some problems. If your eyes feel tired or irritated after a long day in front of the computer, you may have something called computer eye strain.
So, what is eye strain, and should you get reading glasses to address this condition? At Chu Vision Institute, we understand your need for devices. At the same time, we care about your eye health. If you are interested in an assessment with cataract and refractive surgeon Dr. Ralph Chu, contact our office in Bloomington, MN. We hope to provide quality care for our surrounding community.
What is eye strain?
So, what is eye strain? This condition occurs when your eyes get tired from overuse. For example, your eyes can get fatigued when driving long distances or reading for long hours with no breaks. Most cases of eye strain happen when staring for too long at computer screens. While eye strain is not necessarily dangerous by itself, signs and symptoms of eye strain can indicate an underlying condition that needs treatment.
Symptoms associated with eye strain include:
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Sore or tired eyes
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Headaches
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Blurred or double vision
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Dry or watery eyes
Reading glasses vs. computer glasses
Reading glasses are available over-the-counter and for prescription use. These glasses are meant for individuals who have good distance vision but struggle to read books and restaurant menus. They are also designed for short-term use, which means patients do not need to wear them all the time.
Computer glasses may sound similar but are very different. Computer glasses are created to address eye strain from screens. This is because they have an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare, as well as a tint that increases contrast for easier viewing. These glasses should be worn only when working on a computer.
If your eye strain is the result of reading for long periods of time or because you struggle with close-up vision, reading glasses may help. Patients who work on computers should look into getting computer glasses instead. If you are not sure which option is best, schedule an eye examination in Bloomington, MN.
How to address eye strain
During an examination, Dr. Chu can recommend glasses that suit your needs. We also recommend ways to improve your eye comfort, such as drops that augment your real tears. Our clinic strongly suggests following the 20-20-20 rule. This rule explains that for every 20 minutes of working on a computer or reading a book, take a break for 20 seconds and view an object 20 feet away. Other helpful tips to protect your eyes:
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Blink often to refresh your eyes
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Adjust the light settings on your computer
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Use a document holder to hold books farther away
Save your eyes when working on a computer
Do you experience blurry vision or headaches from working on a computer? Are your eyes tired after reading all day? You may need a pair of glasses to improve your vision and comfort. The professionals at Chu Vision Institute are proud to provide patients with a range of treatment options with understanding and compassion. When you are ready to meet with Dr. Ralph Chu in Bloomington, MN, contact our office for an eye examination. We can enhance your quality of life with glasses.
