Visual fatigue is caused by prolonged and intense use of the eyes on digital screens or when reading. It is manifested by various ocular symptoms. Advice.
Your eyes sting, are dry… Visual fatiguealso called asthenopiadenotes a condition that encompasses various eye symptoms resulting from prolonged and intense use of the eyes, especially during reading or frequent use of digital devices such as computersTHE smartphones and tablets. There are easy-to-implement improvements that can relieve eyestrain.
- Take breaks. “Grant regular breaks to your eyes, especially during prolonged activities such as reading or using screens. Use the “20-20-20” rule : every 20 minutes look at an object about 20 feet (about 6 meters) away for about 20 seconds to rest your eyes“. This will ease the accommodation.
- Put a blue light filter on your screens. For frequent computer users, anti-glare filters can reduce eye strain minimizing screen reflections and glare. “Even if the clinical superiority remains difficult to affirm in the studies, blue light filter can be beneficial for very heavy screen users (more than 8-10h/day) at the expense of duller and yellowed colors (because the blue wavelength is filtered)”.
- step away from the screen. It is important to maintain an appropriate distance between your eyes and the screen or reading material. “Position your screen at eye level and make sure that your posture is ergonomic, especially at work“.
- Make your eyes work. Regularly practice eye exercises to relax the eye muscles. “This can include frequent eye blinking, circular or up and down eye movements (“Eye Yoga”), and focusing on distant and near objects.” A orthoptic rehabilitation report can be offered.
- Turn on the light. Make sure you have a adequate lighting when performing visual tasks. “Avoid too bright or insufficient lighting which can cause eye strain. Also avoid unwanted glare on your screen“.
- Put on artificial tears. If you suffer from dry eye, use artificial tears in the form of drops or gel to lubricate your eyes and relieve discomfort.
- Cleanse her eyes. “Also be sure to clean your eyes well and remove makeup before going to bed. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can make the irritation worse“.
- Check your glasses. Finally, if you wear glasses or contact lenses, make sure they fit properly and have the correct prescription to avoid excessive eye strain!
Thanks to Dr Didier Hoa, ophthalmologist and cataract, eyelid and tear duct surgeon at the Clinique du Parc in Castelnau Le Lez (34).