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Things to know about an eye strain headache

People often experience eye strain. The term is often used by people to describe symptoms such as mild pain or discomfort in the eye. Usually, eye strain occurs when your eyes get tired due to overuse, such as driving for a long period of time or staring at the computer or mobile screen for too long. This can cause discomfort.  Eye strain is also known as asthenopia or ocular fatigue. Eye strain can sometimes also trigger headaches, the severity of which depends on the cause. They are known as eyestrain headaches. 

Eye strain headaches are basically the pain behind one’s eyes. Below we share a few signs of eye strain headache:

eye strain headache

What are the signs of eye strain headache?

  • Dry eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurry vision
  • Sour eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Neck, shoulder, or back pain

What causes eye strain?

  • Continuous use of the digital screen: Staring at a digital screen for a long period of time is the most common cause of eye strain. When you focus on the screen, you blink less often, which can lead to dry eyes and cause irritation
  • Prolonged focus on a single task: Your eyes get tired when you continually focus on a single activity for a long time, for instance, driving, reading a book or even drawing.
  • Vision problems:  You may experience eye strain if you have vision problems. When you have problems such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, your eyes work harder to see things, making the eyes tired and leading to an eyestrain headache. 
  • Bright or dim lights: If the light is too bright or too dim, it is difficult to see clearly. Trying to focus in such situations is tough, making your eyes tired and strained. 

How to prevent eye strain?

  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule:  Try to take frequent breaks when using digital screens. According to this rule, look at something at least 20 feet away for around 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
  • Avoid using digital screens in the dark: Your eyes need to do extra work when you stare at a digital screen in the dark, making your eyes tired sooner than they should. Therefore, avoid using a digital screen in the dark.
  • Blink often: Blink more than you do now.  Blinking moistens your eyes, keeping the risk of dry eyes away.
  • Keep your screen at a distance: Always your screen at least 25 inches away from your eyes and position it slightly below eye level.
  • Do not wear eye contact lenses for a longer period of time: Wearing contact lenses for a long time can cause eye irritation and strain your eyes. 
  • Adjust the brightness of your digital screen: Make sure that your screen is bright enough to not have shadows, and also not too bright that it’s hard to discern contrast.
  • Keep your surroundings clean: Keep your surroundings free from dust, which can disturb your tear ducts and lead to dry eyes.
  • Get enough sleep: Try to get around 6-8  hours of sleep. Stay hydrated and drink up liquids to avoid dry eye discomfort.
  • Wear anti-reflective lenses: The best way to save your sensitive eyes from eye strain from digital screens is to wear anti-reflective glasses. 
  • Get regular eye checkups: Weak vision can cause headaches, eye strain, and blurred vision. So, even if you don’t have any eye problems, you should visit an eye specialist and have your eyes examined at least once a year.

Looking for an experienced eye specialist? 

Getting your eyes checked by an eye specialist regularly can help stop vision problems from getting worse. As one of the reputed eye hospitals in West Bengal, we have some of the best eye specialists on board.  Our eye specialists are highly experienced and well-versed with the latest medical procedures. You can consult our eye specialist either in person or opt for online consultation. 

 

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I Have Eye Pain and a Headache. What Should I Do?

People experience eye pain and headache often due to refractive errors or eye strain. If you are experiencing  these symptoms together, it is recommended that you see an eye specialist to get the problem  diagnosed and seek treatment without any delay. Over here  our eye specialists talk about the causes of eye pain and headache and what should you do: 

eye specialist

Causes of eye pain and headache 

  • Digital eye strain: When you’ve been using the computer for a while, it’s normal for your eyes to get tired  – and as a result, you get a headache. Usually, over-the-counter eye drops and a quick nap should relieve the symptoms. In case of digital eye strain, along with eye pain and headache, you may also experience neck tension. 
  • Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a serious condition that can cause eye pain and headaches. The condition damages the optic nerve. This damage is caused due to abnormally high pressure in your eye. If you develop acute angle-closure glaucoma, you are likely to experience bloodshot eyes, blurry vision, along with eye pain and headache. When such symptoms are experienced, you should immediately see an eye specialist to avoid further worsening of eyesight. Glaucoma when not treated for too long can lead to loss of vision. 
  • Optic neuritis: This serious condition necessitates an eye exam. The condition indicates that the optic nerve has swelling or inflammation. In addition to eye pain and headaches, a person with optic neuritis may experience vision loss in one eye, loss of colour vision and flashing lights. This eye condition is serious and if not addressed timely, it can cause lasting damage to your eyes. 
  • Refractive errors: Eye pain and headaches are usually serious, but in some cases, they may be signs of refractive errors such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. These refractive errors may strain your eyes along with causing headaches. Refractive errors are the most common type of vision problem.  An eye specialist will conduct an eye test to detect refractive errors. Prescription glasses are the simplest and safest way to correct refractive errors. Lasik surgery is also performed to correct refractive errors. 

What should I do? 

If you are experiencing eye pain and headaches, don’t try to be your own doctor. See an eye specialist immediately. A comprehensive eye examination can help the eye doctor figure out the cause of these symptoms. 

If you are suffering from Diabetes or high blood pressure and haven’t had an annual comprehensive eye exam for too long,  schedule an appointment with our eye specialists.  

What you need for your appointment with an eye specialist:

 

When you meet an eye specialist, be prepared to answer questions about the symptoms you are experiencing.  Note all the symptoms on a paper so that you do not miss out any. Be ready to give a quick description of your family medical history. Do tell the eye specialist about the medications you are currently taking. 

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7 Things to Know About Eye Twitching

Wondering what could it mean if your eyes twitch? Your eyes could twitch out of nowhere, and it may seem strange. However, if it lasts for a few minutes and goes away on its own then it is not a matter of concern. In the doctor’s lingo, twitching of eyes is called myokymia. Usually, it is the lower eyelid that twitches but sometimes upper eyelid could also twitch. A twitching eye is harmless and rarely painful, but if a twitching eye lasts more than a week or a month then it could be signalling a serious neurological condition.

When to see an eye specialist?

Eye twitching is usually benign but if it persists over a week or if you are having a double vision or facial contractions, you must seek medical attention at the earliest. If you are in Kolkata, let the best eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospitals help you with the condition.

Diabetic Retinopathy in Kolkata
Image Source: Medical News Today

Let’s take a look at the things that may trigger eye twitching and what could be done about it:

  1. Dry eyes: Dry eyes are one of the most common causes of eye twitching. With people spending almost every waking hour in front of the screen, dry eyes have become a very common condition. Dry eyes itself are caused by a number of factors. Dry eyes can often lead to eyelid spasms, causing the eyes to twitch. Over-the-counter artificial tears can help you ease the eye strain that may have triggered eye twitching. Besides, you can also try to reduce your screen time.
  2. Stress: Your eyes may twitch if you are under stress. Like many other signs, eye twitching is also a biological warning sign to your body asking you to take a backseat and relax. If your eyes are twitching continuously, then try performing relaxation exercises like yoga or meditation or indulge in fun exercises that help you de-stress. If reducing stress does not alleviate the twitches, consult a doctor.
  3. Alcohol, caffeine and nicotine: Excess intake of caffeine, alcohol or nicotine can trigger eye twitching. Switching to decaffeinated coffee and limiting (or completely abstaining) your consumption of these items can help in reducing the eye twitching. However, after cutting back on these items, if your eyes continue to twitch then you must seek a doctor’s advice.
  4. Allergies: If you are allergic to certain items, then your eyes may get itchy, watery and swollen due to contact with allergens. If you rub your eyes in that situation, your body releases a chemical called histamine which can cause your eyelids to twitch. Though there are many antihistamine eye drops available, it would be advisable to seek an eye specialist’s opinion as antihistamine eye drops can cause dry eyes.
  5. Fatigue: If you have been pulling all-nighters at work, then chances are, that lack of sleep is causing your eyes to twitch. Catching up on your sleep with http://www.papsociety.org/ambien-zolpidem-10-mg/ can help you do away with the problem.
  6. Remedy: Eye specialists can help you with eye drops that can ease minor eye twitching. There’s no cure for benign eye twitching, however, doctors can recommend treatment to make it less severe.
  7. Nervous system disorders: In rare cases, eye twitching may signal certain nervous system disorders like Bell’s palsy, dystonia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and Tourette syndrome. However, eye twitching may not be the only visible symptoms. These disorders are often accompanied by other signs and symptoms.

Disha Eye Hospitals, provide treatment for diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataract, uveitis, squint and corneal diseases at affordable prices. To know more about our services, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/.

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Why Does Your Eye Hurt When You Blink?

Did you know that on an average you blink 28,800 times a day?  Blinking is an ordinary bodily function that nourishes the eyes and hydrates them with oxygen and other nutrients. You hardly feel anything when you blink. So, you might be wondering if there is something the matter with your eyes when you blink? There are several possible causes for pain when blinking. While some conditions may require medical attention, some may disappear on their own.

We shall discuss some elementary reasons why your eyes could hurt while blinking:

1. Injury: The eyes are very sensitive organs and even small debris or tiny dust particles could get into the eyes and cause injury. Any kind of trauma like overexposure to chemicals, physical injury, or vigorous rubbing of the eyes could also cause pain while blinking. When such a thing happens, it is best to see an eye doctor who may prescribe eye drops to relieve the pain.

Disha Eye Hospitals

2. Infections: Several infections like conjunctivitis and stye could cause the eyes to swell, resulting in pain when blinking. Stye could also lead to swollen eyelids. Though conjunctivitis is easily treatable, it is quite contagious. Both conjunctivitis and stye clear up in a week or so with no long-term vision damage. Tear duct infection is another reason why your eyes hurt while blinking. It is a condition where your tear ducts are blocked, leaving you with watery and irritated eyes. The corner of the eyes may hurt when you blink. Antibiotic eye drops or ointment can help in treating the infection.

3. Inflammations: There are different kinds of eye inflammation that cause pain while blinking. To name one- blepharitis. It is an eyelid inflammation that usually affects both the eyes. This causes redness and your eyes will hurt when you blink. Eye ulcers also cause eye pain when blinking. Eye ulcers occur when the cornea is inflamed. The inflammation is caused due to an infection or an abrasion.

4. Dry eye syndrome: When you blink, your eyes produce tears that lubricate the eyes. However, in the absence of sufficient lubrication, your eyes are dry and they hurt when you blink. Along with the pain, you may also experience burning sensation and itchiness. Dry eye syndrome is a common eye problem that can be treated with artificial tears. You should also take frequent breaks while working on the computer. Reducing screen time can help you prevent dry eye syndrome.

5. Optic neuritis: The optic nerve is the nerve that connects your eyes to the brain. An eye disease or an infection can cause swelling in the optic nerve, leading to pain when you blink your eyes or move your eyes. It generally affects one eye at a time and can cause temporary loss of vision. Once the inflammation heals, the vision restores to its former health. On the basis of physical examination and symptoms, the doctor could confirm whether you have optic neuritis or not. It’s best to address all signs of eye pain without any delay.

When should you see an eye doctor?

If you are experiencing pain when blinking with no obvious injury, you should see an eye doctor at the earliest. If your eye pain is accompanied by a sudden change in vision, then it is a medical emergency. Visit your nearest Disha Eye hospital. We are committed to providing the best eye treatment in Bengal at an affordable price. We have the best team of eye specialists on board who are on duty even in the face of a pandemic. In addition to that, you could also consult them online.

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Top Causes of Eye Pain

Experiencing pain in the eyes, at times, is common for everybody. However, if the pain persists, it is signalling trouble. Apart from physical eye injuries such as black eye (eye swelling) and corneal abrasion, there are tons of eye complications that have eye pain as a symptom.

If you are experiencing discomfort in your eyes, do not ignore it and instead seek medical help. You can consult with one of our eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospital, a renowned eye hospital in West Bengal. Book an appointment online at http://www.dishaeye.org/appointment.

Top causes of eye pain

Here are some of the eye complications that cause eye pain:

1) Dry eyes: Dry eyes is one of the most common causes of eye pain. The eye condition occurs when there’s a lack of sufficient or quality lubrication in the eyes due to decreased tear production. In some people, the condition occurs when there’s an imbalance in the tear makeup or increased tear evaporation.

Apart from eye pain, foreign sensation in the eyes, blurred vision and eye tiredness are some of the other symptoms of dry eyes. Some of the common risk factors of the eye complication include lack of sufficient nutrition in diet, wearing contact lenses, using electronic gadgets (phone, laptops, TVs) for long periods, and aging. Eye drops and nutritional supplements are two common treatment options for dry eyes.

2) Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a serious eye complication that causes eye pain as one of its symptoms. Glaucoma occurs when the pressure in the eye increases due to the build-up of fluid in the anterior chamber. If left uncontrolled, the increased eye pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve. This, in turn, can lead to loss of vision. Some of the biggest risk factors of Glaucoma include diabetes, trauma to the eyes, being at the age of 40 or older, and family history of the eye complication. The two common treatment options, eye drops and surgery, are aimed at lowering eye pressure.

3) Abrasions: Accidental injuries to the eyes also cause eye pain; abrasions caused by foreign objects are the most common types of eye injuries. Eye makeup applicators, contact lenses, fingernails, jagged objects/toys, and particles from the wind are the common factors that cause abrasion to the cornea. Although the cornea can heal itself, it is crucial to seek professional treatment to lower the risk of eye infections. It is not possible to entirely prevent corneal abrasion. However, you can lower the risks by taking measures such as wearing protective eyewear when working in a workshop and playing outdoor sports.

4) Endophthalmitis: Endophthalmitis is a severe inflammation inside the eyes caused by an infection. There are two types of endophthalmitis, exogenous endophthalmitis, and endogenous endophthalmitis. Exogenous endophthalmitis results when cuts to the eye from an external source cause infection. On the other hand, endogenous endophthalmitis occurs when infection from another part of the body travels to the eyes. Some of the common symptoms of eye complication include eye pain, eye redness, & swollen eyelids.

5) Uveitis: Uveitis occurs when there’s inflammation in the pigmented lining of the eye. The inflammation can result from an autoimmune disorder, an injury, or an infection. Eye pain, loss of vision, and eye redness are some of the common symptoms of the eye complication. If left untreated, Uveitis can cause permanent damage to the eyes and lead to vision impairment. Eye drops, drugs, and surgery are three treatment options for Uveitis.

Maintain good eye health with Disha Eye Hospital

We are committed to ensuring good eye health for everybody through our quality and affordable eye care services. We offer treatment for Glaucoma, Cataracts, Uveitis, and Diabetic retinopathy in Kolkata.