Article summary
Eyestrain (asthenopia) is muscle fatigue from prolonged, intense eye use, common among Sydney office workers and screen users. Symptoms like sore eyes and headaches usually ease within 15 minutes of rest. Key facts:
- Often triggered by screens, blue light and close focus
- Prevented by short breaks every 20 minutes
Persistent symptoms warrant an eye assessment.
An increasing number of people in Sydney suffer eyestrain. It is condition caused by muscle fatigue after intensive eye use. Many office workers in Sydney report it happening after prolonged periods of reading or using digital devices. However, eyestrain can also occur on long drives.
The clinical name for eyestrain is asthenopia. In most Sydneysiders the condition is not serious. Indeed, it usually goes away when people rest their eyes. However, sometimes the symptoms can point to more serious eye problems.
Eyestrain FAQs
Eyestrain advice for people in Sydney
Avoiding eyestrain often requires changes to the way you work; in particular, how you use digital devices.
Eyestrain can be minimised by taking a short computer break every 20 minutes. Also, you should be mindful of not sitting too close to digital screens.
If it persists you should see an optometrist. The symptoms might indicate there is an underlying problem with your eyes.
In this case, optometrists usually prescribe reading glasses or even glasses with special coloured lenses to eliminate eyestrain.
Getting an eyestrain check-up
At The Eye Practice, our Sydney-based optometrists are experts in diagnosing and treating eyestrain. As lead optometrist, I bring more than 30 years of experience to the role and tailor every treatment plan to the individual.
I’m one of Australia’s most experienced optometrists and am recognised among my peers as an expert in digital eyestrain diagnosis and treatment. Many colleagues refer patients from across Australia to my practice in the Sydney CBD. Over three decades, I’ve worked alongside world-renowned contact lens specialists and ophthalmic surgeons.
About the Author: Dr Jim Kokkinakis
