When you look at objects or screens up close, the muscles in and around your eyes must work harder to focus. Like any other muscle, these can swell and tire over time. Squinting for a long period, on the other hand, may result in spasms in your facial muscles and the muscles surrounding your eyes. Due to eye strain, these spasms can cause headaches. You may have digital eye strain if you have a mild headache behind your eyes after beginning at your computer screen for several hours.
When you look at a screen for too long, you develop digital eye strain, which can cause everything from headaches and neck tension to dry eyes and blurry vision. Consider what you were doing before the onset of your symptoms to help determine the source of your eye strain headache. It will help you decide how to relieve your discomfort. Eye strain causes a painful headache, which can be highly inconvenient. It makes it difficult to focus on work or other essential tasks and reduces productivity.
Headaches are also associated with dry eyes, corneal infection, eye inflammation, swelling behind the eye, and other eye problems. Headaches are inextricably linked to vision problems. When you look at something up close, your eye muscles struggle to focus; over time, these muscles become sore and tired. As a result, various headaches occur, the most common being eye strain headaches and migraines on rare occasions. Consider these eight eye strain headache remedies after establishing the link between eye strain and headache.
- Blink More Frequently
Blinking keeps your eyes moist and helps alleviate dry eyes’ effects. The more moisture in your eyes, the better because you will be able to focus on your work rather than your headache. Moreover, blinking several times per day can help keep your eyes moist, and you can also use artificial tears to moisten your eyes.
- Follow the 20-20-20 Rule During Breaks.
Even if you are constantly busy with work, it is still recommended that you take regular breaks. Apply the 20-20-20 rule, which requires you to stare at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes to make it more interesting. It is a tried and practical method for relieving your headache caused by eye strain.
- Make Use of Proper Lighting
Position your indoor light source away from your eyes to reduce screen glare. Furthermore, avoid using screens in the dark because your eyes will have to work harder to focus. When working or reading, use a soft, dim light to allow your eyes to focus naturally.
- Put On Computer Glasses
When you have to read for long periods in front of a laptop or mobile screen, computer glasses can help you avoid headaches caused by eye strain. If you have a prescription and cannot change it, you can still protect your eyes from computer screens by adding a UV-blue lens coating.
- Try Hot and Cold Compressing
A doctor on call recommends relaxing your eyes after focusing on a specific object for several hours. Hot compresses are the most effective way to relieve eye strain immediately; dab some cotton into lukewarm water and place it on top of your eyes. You can also use cold compresses, dipping a cotton swab in cold water and placing it over your eyes. Both of these methods provide immediate relief from headaches and eye strain.
- Change Your Lifestyle
An unhealthy lifestyle can also cause eye strain and headaches. It is critical to alter your lifestyle, such as starting your day with a short sunbath, practicing yoga and meditation followed by some eye exercises, remaining hydrated and nourished throughout the day, and so on. Your lifestyle significantly impacts your eye health, which affects your work and productivity.
- Use Artificial Tears and NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug)
Dryness can exacerbate eye strain. Artificial tears may help to moisten and relieve your eyes. As a result, it will reduce your headache and provide some relief. Furthermore, if you have a persistent headache caused by eye strain, an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) may help. However, before taking any over-the-counter medication, consult with your doctor. Your doctor can only tell you if the NSAID pills will help if you have a prescription for other medicines.
The Final Words
When your eyes constantly work too hard for a long time, your eye muscles may contract too much. These contractions can cause a headache due to eye strain. These headaches are frequently associated with pain and discomfort behind the eyes. You may face an eye strain headache after concentrating on a task for an extended period. Fortunately, simply closing your eyes will usually provide relief. Wearing correct prescription glasses or contact lenses is also beneficial. If changing your lifestyle does not help, consult a physician. They can determine whether an underlying medical condition causes your headaches.
