Asthenopia
Asthenopia is defined as fatigue, or overtiring of the eyes, and commonly known as eyestrain which can be caused by overuse of the eye structures (in particular – muscles). Often asthenopia is not a serious condition and can resolve by resting the eyes. Why are we even talking about it? Because with the development of our world into an electronics-driven society we are facing new problems with our body.
In this article:
- Treatment
- Medical treatment for asthenopia
- Home remedies for asthenopia
- Adjust your lighting
- Practice smarter screen time
- Take breaks
- Use artificial tears
- Improve your space’s air quality
- Supplements for Healthy Eyes
- References
Treatment
Treatment for Asthenopia, or eye strain, consists of adjusting your environment and lifestyle to lessen or eliminate irritants, cause of eye strain and triggers of eye discomfort. There are several modifications that can be made that will be easier on the eyes and provide more eye comfort. In addition to environmental adjustments, there are supplements you can take to enhance eye health.
Medical treatment for asthenopia
Eye health can be assessed by a physician, and further assessed by an optometrist if needed. An eye doctor can prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, refractive surgery and prescription eye drops that may help with eye strain and eye discomfort. Regular eye exams will also be able to detect any eye changes, eye issues, or changes to vision.
Home remedies for asthenopia
In addition to medical treatment, there are several things you can do at home to ease Asthenopia. Adjusting your environment to put less strain on the eyes will help with eye comfort.
Adjust your lighting
Lower lighting at home to a comfortable level that does not produce eye discomfort. Too bright of lights can cause sensitivity. Not enough lighting during certain home activities, especially while reading or watching television, can cause more eye strain. Make sure your lighting is appropriate enough to see well, but not too much that it produces discomfort. In addition, some find that softer light produces less discomfort and lessens photosensitivity.
Practice smarter screen time
When using digital devices, including cellphones and computers, adjust the lighting on the screen to your comfort level. In addition, take breaks so that you are not staring at a screen for long periods of time. This can allow the eyes to rest and readjust. Also, try not to stare at screens in the dark or in low lighting as this can require to the eyes to strain more. Lastly, eliminate glare from the screen. Glare can be reduced by using a filter over the screen or a glare resistant film on your eyeglasses.
Take breaks
Whether you are staring at a screen or reading a book, make sure to take frequent breaks to allow you eyes to rest. Resting the eye muscles will improve eye fatigue and thus lessen strain.
Use artificial tears
Artificial tears can be useful for eye discomfort that is cause by dry eyes. Often when we stare at screen, we tend to blink less which results in drier eyes. Artificial tears can lubricate the eyes and allow for more eye comfort. These eye drops can be purchased over the counter and provide lubrication on the eyes.
Improve your space’s air quality
Adjust air quality in your home or workspace. You can do this by using a humidifier and eliminating blown air which can irritate the eyes. Environmental smoke can also irritate the eyes.
Supplements for Healthy Eyes
Lutein
Lutein is a powerful antioxidant that protects the eye from absorbing certain damaging lights, such as UV-light. Lutein has been proven beneficial for common eye problems such a cataracts and macular degeneration. Lutein can be found in certain foods such kale, spinach, orange foods such as pumpkin and paprika. Daily requirements can be anywhere from 6-20mg daily. Discuss this supplement with your provider.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for nerve conduction in the retina and therefore are beneficial to supplement when there are eye concerns or vision problems. These fatty acids can be found in seed oils, cold water fish, and dark leafy vegetables and spices. Because of their blood thinning properties, seek advise from your provider especially if you are currently taking blood thinner medications.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that help keep your eyes healthy. This vitamin can prevent against oxidation, similar to what happens in macular degeneration of the eyes. Vitamin E has also be shown to decrease the risk of cataracts.
Vitamin C
In people with eye issues, there have been good results with Vitamin C supplementation despite the exact mechanism being unknown. Vitamin C has been shown to have antiviral and anti-allergy properties. Ocular symptoms and vision problems have shown to have quick improvement with the treatment of Vitamin C eye drops.
References
By Mayo Clinic Staff. Aug. 28, 2020
Lutein. 3 Paradies Lane New Paltz, NY 12561
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s). 3 Paradies Lane New Paltz, NY 12561
Vitamin E and Vision. By Peter Jaret Medically Reviewed by Whitney Seltman, OD on June 19, 2020