Eye strain is common among people who work in poor lighting conditions or spend extended periods using electronic devices, forcing their eyes to constantly adjust. According to Dr. Bui Viet Hung, Head of the Vitreoretinal Department at Tam Anh General Hospital's High-Tech Eye Center, eye strain can also cause systemic symptoms such as headaches, often appearing in the forehead or around the eyes, due to continuous eye adjustments. Other symptoms, like neck, shoulder, and back pain, can arise from poor posture while working or leaning forward to see clearly, causing muscle tension and soreness. Eye strain also reduces attention spans, especially during tasks requiring sharp vision like reading, writing, designing, or driving.

Dr. Hung offers several ways to reduce eye strain.

Wear appropriate glasses

Wearing glasses with the wrong prescription or incorrect axis forces the eyes to work harder, leading to faster fatigue and eye pain. Using glasses or contact lenses with the correct prescription reduces the burden on the eyes, limiting strain and the risk of long-term vision problems. People who wear glasses regularly should have their eyesight checked periodically to adjust their prescription as needed.

Rest your eyes

Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (about 6 meters) away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a break, reducing the strain from looking at electronic devices or reading, and limiting soreness from prolonged focus.

A doctor examines a man's eyes. Photo: *Tam Anh General Hospital*

Use eye drops

Eye drops or artificial tears provide necessary moisture, especially when eyes are dry due to air conditioning, prolonged screen time, or reduced blinking. Choose a suitable type and use it as directed by a doctor.

Ensure adequate lighting and humidity

Working in moderately lit spaces, neither too bright nor too dim, helps reduce eye strain and the risk of eye pain. Insufficient humidity can cause dry, itchy, and irritated eyes. If necessary, a humidifier is an effective solution to maintain stable air humidity, keeping eyes comfortable.

Eye massage

Gently massaging around the eyes improves blood circulation, reduces muscle tension, and promotes relaxation. Combining this with closing your eyes and applying a warm towel for a few minutes enhances relaxation and soothes the eyes.

Quit smoking

Cigarette smoke contains harmful substances that can dry out and irritate the eyes, increasing the risk of eye diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts. Quitting smoking not only protects vision but also improves overall health.

If eye strain persists despite changes in posture, lighting adjustments, and frequent eye breaks, it's a sign to seek a comprehensive eye exam. Dr. Hung notes that prolonged, unyielding or worsening eye strain, especially if vision blurs even with glasses or contact lenses, or if there are fleeting eye pains, could indicate a more serious problem requiring medical attention.

Khue Lam