3 ways to beat... EYE STRAIN

PREVENT

Eye strain, or asthenopia, covers a whole host of symptoms such as dry eyes, eye pain, headaches and blurred vision. It is most commonly caused by exhaustion of the eye muscles, and is a common complaint among those who work with computers or stare for long periods at mobile phones and televisions. The best way to prevent eye strain is by taking ‘screen breaks’ throughout the day. Optometrists recommend taking 20 seconds every 20 minutes, and focus on an object 20ft away, a technique known as the 20-20-20 rule.

While eye strain symptoms can be uncomfortable, the condition rarely leads to any further eye damage.

TREAT

Research has found that sitting in front of a computer reduces the number of times we blink by two thirds. This adds to the problem by drying out the eyes. Closing them for a few seconds relaxes their muscles and helps keep your eyeballs moist, which will bring relief from eye strain.

Tired and dry eyes can also be helped by over-the-counter eye drops, which a pharmacist can advise on.

If you spend time in front of a computer, there are simple adjustments to make to relieve eye strain. Guidelines issued by opticians Specsavers recommend adjusting the brightness on your monitor and ensuring it is set at the correct distance and height – about 20 to 24 inches from your eyes and with the centre of the screen no more than 15 degrees below your eyeline.

DON’T BOTHER

Contact lenses correct short or long-sightenness, but they may actually make eye strain symptoms worse. A Spanish study published in 2014 found that those who wear contact lenses suffer more symptoms of eye strain than those who do not. They recommend that spectacles are a better option for these people.