Eyestrain is a common problem that occurs when your eyes get tired from overuse, such as driving for a long time, working on a computer, or constantly looking at mobile and digital screens.
Eye strain can make your eyes feel uncomfortable, but it is usually not a serious problem. There are many simple steps you can take to reduce or prevent eye strain, such as taking breaks and resting your eyes. However, in some cases, ongoing eyestrain may be a sign of an eye problem that needs a proper check-up and treatment, as it may indicate a more serious issue.
Do you get headaches or neck pain by the end of the day?If yes, you may be experiencing eye strain — a growing problem in today’s screen-driven life. Lets discuss about its symptoms, causes, types and its treatmnent.Â
Symptoms of Eye Strain
- Eye strain can cause many problems, such as:
- Eyes feeling tired, sore, itchy, or burning.
- Eyes are becoming dry or watery.
- Eyes are becoming sensitive to bright light.
- Trouble focusing or concentrating
- Feeling like you cannot keep your eyes open
- Blurry vision or seeing double
- Headache &Â Pain in the neck, shoulders, or back
Types of Eye Strain
Eye strain is also called asthenopia. It happens when our eyes feel tired, sore, or start aching. This usually occurs when we use our eyes for a long time without rest.
One common type of eye strain is Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). It can happen when we look at a computer, mobile phone, or tablet screen for many hours. When we keep staring at screens, our eye muscles work too hard and get tired.
Another cause of eye strain is astigmatism. In this condition, the front part of the eye is not perfectly round. Because of this, the eyes have to work extra hard to see clearly, which can make them feel tired and strained.
To reduce eye strain, wearing proper glasses is very helpful. Glasses help the eyes see better and reduce extra pressure. Getting enough sleep also gives the eyes a break. You can also reduce eye strain by lowering screen brightness, reducing glare, and using proper lighting in the room.
All these steps help keep our eyes healthy and comfortable.
Causes of Eye Strain:
Using mobile phones, computers, or playing video games for long hours
- less blinking of eyes, especially while looking at screens
- Having weak eyesight & still not wearing proper glasses
- Existing eye problems or eye muscle imbalance
- Stress, tiredness, and not getting enough sleep
- Reading, writing, or studying continuously without breaks
- Doing detailed work like sewing, drawing, or crafting
- Driving for a long time without resting the eyes
- Studying or working in poor or dim light
Eye Strain Around the World
Digital eye strain is a very common problem worldwide. Many people who use mobiles, computers, and tablets experience eye discomfort. Most people who regularly use screens have problems like tired eyes, dryness, blurry vision, headache, or neck pain.
Eye strain is more common in students, office workers, and people who spend long hours on screens. Studies across the world show that a large percentage of people who use digital screens daily experience symptoms of digital eye strain such as dryness, headache, and blurred vision. As a result, many more people now suffer from digital eye strain than before.
Understanding Eye Strain in Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, excessive screen use increases Pitta (heat) and Vata (dryness) in the eyes, leading to burning, fatigue, and strain. Ayurvedic treatment focuses on cooling, lubrication, and calming the nervous system.
In Ayurveda, eye strain is treated by understanding why the eyes are getting tired and overheated, not just by treating the pain. According to Ayurveda, excessive screen time, stress, and lack of sleep increase heat and dryness in the eyes, leading to burning, heaviness, and fatigue. So, the main aim of Ayurvedic treatment is to cool, nourish, and relax the eyes.
Ayurveda uses natural therapies to give rest and strength to tired eyes. Treatments like gently bathing the eyes with medicated ghee or herbal water help cool the eyes and reduce dryness and irritation. Head and foot oil massage helps calm the nerves and reduce stress, which directly improves eye comfort. Herbal eye drops are also used to soothe burning and tiredness.
Ayurvedic Therapies for Eye Strain
- Netra Tarpana – This therapy utilises warm medicated ghee, which is gently placed over the eyes. It deeply nourishes the eyes, relieves tiredness, and helps reduce dryness caused by long screen time.
- Aschyotana – The therapy uses natural herbal eye drops that ease the eyes. They help reduce burning, redness, and dryness, making the eyes feel fresh and comfortable.
- Shiro Abhyanga – You are given a relaxing head rub with herbal oils. It calms the mind, reduces stress, and eases eye strain caused by mental tension and overwork.
- Padabhyanga – A gentle foot massage using medicated oils. According to Ayurveda, the foot nerves are connected to the eyes, so this therapy helps relax eye nerves and improves overall eye comfort.
Daily Care for Healthy Eyes
Along with therapies, Ayurveda emphasizes daily habits. Eating light, cooling foods, drinking enough water, getting proper sleep, and taking regular breaks from screens help the eyes recover faster. Simple habits like blinking more often and relaxing the eyes also play an important role.
In simple words, Ayurveda cures eye strain by cooling the eyes, strengthening eye nerves, reducing stress, and improving lifestyle habits, so the eyes feel fresh, relaxed, and healthy from the inside
Conclusion:
Eye strain has become a common problem today due to long hours spent on mobiles, computers, and other digital screens. While it may start as mild discomfort, ignoring eye strain over time can affect eye health and daily life. If you experience frequent eye strain or screen-related eye discomfort, consulting an Ayurvedic eye specialist can help identify the cause and provide personalized eye care before it affects vision.
