Asthenopia

Asthenopia (also known as eye strain) is a condition characterized by eye fatigue, discomfort, and visual disturbances that occur after prolonged periods of visual tasks such as reading, computer use, or other activities that require intense focus. It is a common issue in the modern world, especially with the increased use of digital devices.

Symptoms

Individuals with asthenopia may experience a variety of symptoms, including:

• Eye pain
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Dry eyes
• Watery eyes
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
• Difficulty focusing

Causes

Asthenopia can be caused by several factors, including:

• Prolonged use of computers and digital screens
• Poor lighting conditions
• Incorrect eyeglasses or contact lenses prescription
• Uncorrected refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism
• Poor posture during visual tasks
• Inadequate breaks during prolonged visual activities

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of asthenopia typically involves a comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The examination may include:

• Visual acuity test
• Refraction test
• Binocular vision assessment
• Ocular motility test
• Slit-lamp examination

Treatment

Treatment for asthenopia focuses on addressing the underlying causes and may include:

• Corrective lenses for refractive errors
• Computer glasses with anti-reflective coating
• Proper lighting and ergonomic adjustments
• Regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
• Artificial tears for dry eyes
• Vision therapy exercises

Prevention

Preventive measures to reduce the risk of developing asthenopia include:

• Maintaining proper lighting while reading or using digital devices
• Ensuring an appropriate distance from screens
• Using ergonomic furniture and maintaining good posture
• Taking regular breaks during prolonged visual tasks
• Keeping digital screens clean to reduce glare

See also

• Computer vision syndrome
• Dry eye syndrome
• Refractive error
• Visual acuity
• Ophthalmology