Prevent Eyestrain

Here's some helpful information from YourSightMatters as we move into cooler days (ie:'reading weather').

Eyestrain is not harmful to the eyes and often goes away once your eyes are rested. However, sometimes eye strain can be a sign of an undiagnosed eye condition. These are the most common symptoms of eyestrain:

• Blurred or double vision
• Watery eyes
• Dry eyes
• Soreness, tiredness, burning or itching
• Headache
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Difficulty focusing

You should make an appointment with your eye doctor if you have persistent double vision, experience pain or have a noticeable change in your vision.


How can you prevent putting excess strain on your eyes as you feast on a good book? Here are a few tips to help:

1. When reading, have a light source behind you so that light is being directed onto the page. If you are reading at a desk, use a lamp with a shade. The shade will prevent the light from shining into your eyes.
2. If you have reduced vision, use a brighter light source.
3. Consider a large-print book if words appear too small on the page.
4. Take regular breaks. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away from your book and look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Walk around for a while and give your eyes a rest.
5. Blink often to moisten your eyes. Dry eye can result when staring at an object for too long.
6. Use artificial tears to add moisture to the eyes.