The
Problem? Eye Strain
According to
the Mayo Clinic, Asthenopia (eye strain)
is a debilitating ophthalmological condition. When concentrating on a visually
intense task for long periods of time, the ciliary muscle tightens, causing
pain that manifests itself through non-specific symptoms such as sore
or irritated eyes, headaches, difficulty
focusing, dry
or watery eyes, blurred
or double vision, increased
sensitivity to light, and pain
in the neck, shoulders, or back.
These symptoms
not only cause one to be terribly uncomfortable,
but can also decrease productivity. The pain may also be intensified by lack of
sleep, a time when the eyes are replenished with essential nutrients. While getting
more sleep and taking regular breaks can be helpful, there is a preventative
measure that can stop eye strain before it starts.