Life Line

Symptoms of eye strain

DEAR READERS,

J.S. works with an insurance company in Kingston. She works with a computer all day and notices that recently she is experiencing eye pain and a dull headache which gets worse as the day progresses.

J.S. is concerned that it is the long hours doing her job before the computer that is making her ill and asks "LIFELINE" what can be done to improve her situation outside of leaving work.

J.S. seems to be suffering with EYE STRAIN. This is a problem which develops over time with overuse of the eyes as the individual participates in activities that require near, focused vision (e.g. a computer screen). Prolonged focusing of the eyes causes eye pain, headaches, possible twitching of the eyelids, "tired eyes" and exhaustion.

Lens prescription

People who read a lot, sew a lot or who are involved in fine, detailed work such as jewellers, also tend to develop these symptoms which together are called EYE STRAIN.

Eye strain can also occur when the person doing this focused eye work and who wears correction lenses (glasses) is WEARING THE WRONG LENSES. That is, the lens prescription may need adjustment and if the adjustment is made and the proper lenses are used, the eye strain, could resolve. To prevent eye strain the eyes should be rested at intervals from concentrated work. The person should either sit back, close the eyes and relax for a few minutes every hour, or gaze at a distant restful object for a few minutes. For example, gaze through a window at the hills in the distance, or at the sky line, or look at a picture across the room.

Soothing eye drops can be instilled into the eyes and pain killers such as panadol, panadine and cataflam and several others can be used but the best treatment is EYE REST. Lie down for 15 minutes with a cold compress over the eyes.

- A.J.M.