Can an Eye Doctor See Eye Strain?

Many people suffer from eye strain in today’s modern world, dominated by digital screens. Your eyes constantly get exposed to using screens in your quest to live everyday life. The increased use leads to a rise in eye strain-related complaints. But is it possible for your eye doctor to truly see and diagnose eye strain?
 

Symptoms of Eye Strain

Understanding symptoms associated with eye strain is vital before delving into the capabilities of doctors identifying eye strain. Eye strain, or asthenopia, manifests in different ways. The common symptoms include the following:
 

·      Eye discomfort

·      Dry or watery eyes

·      Headaches

·      Increased sensitivity

·      Blurred vision
 

If you frequently experience these symptoms, seek professional help. This enables you to get the help you need and rule out any underlying problems.
 

Comprehensive Eye Exam and Assessing Visual Habits

Your eye doctor can conduct a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose eye strain. The evaluation goes beyond checking prescription strength or visual acuity. During the eye exam, your doctor will evaluate different aspects of your eye health. These may include the overall functionality of your eyes, nerves, and muscles.
 

Assessing your daily habits and visual ergonomics is crucial in determining eye strain. Your eye doctor will ask about your daily activities, work environment, and screen time. Factors like poor seating posture or improper lighting can lead to eye strain. Understanding these aspects helps your eye doctor give you recommendations to prevent and alleviate the occurrence of eye strain.
 

Specialized Tests for Eye Strain

Your eye doctor can employ tests to assess if you have eye strain. A convergence test evaluates how well your eyes can work together while focusing on a nearby object. Your eye doctor also tests the responsiveness and flexibility of your eye muscles. Doing so will help them identify abnormalities or weaknesses contributing to eye strain.
 

Importance of Regular Eye Examinations

Your eye doctor can diagnose eye strain through a comprehensive eye exam. Regular eye exams are crucial, even if you are not currently experiencing symptoms. They enable timely intervention and recommendations to help maintain your eye health.
 

Identifying Underlying Conditions

Persistent eye strain could be a sign of an underlying eye condition. Your eye doctor will use their expertise to identify such problems. Computer vision syndrome and dry eye may have similar symptoms to eye strain. A thorough eye exam can differentiate these conditions. It will help ensure you receive the ideal treatment for your problem.
 

Lifestyle Changes and Remedies

Eye doctors often recommend remedies and lifestyle changes to help alleviate eye strain. These go beyond the use of prescription eyewear. Your specialist may ask you to practice the 20-20-20 rule if you spend most of your time facing a screen. 
 

It entails staring at an object 20 meters away from you for 20 seconds after every 20 minutes of screen time. Using artificial tears also helps combat dry eyes. You can also employ measures like optimizing screen settings and adjusting lighting conditions to alleviate eye strain.
 

Collaborate with your eye doctor to mitigate eye strain and empower your eye health. Follow what they recommend to have a healthy eye care lifestyle. Doing so will help you enjoy the benefits of healthy eyes in the digital era.
 

For more about eye strain, visit Vantage Point Eyes at our office in Woodbury, Minnesota. Call (651) 504-5901 to book an appointment today.
 

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9434525/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eyestrain/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372403