Tired eyes: symptoms and treatment

If you spend hours in front of the computer and by the end of the day you struggle to focus or notice your eyes are tired, you may have presbyopia. Although it is something that affects us all with age, there are ways to prevent and treat it so you can continue your routine without discomfort. Has this happened to you? Don't worry, here I explain everything you need to know about presbyopia: what it is, what its symptoms are, causes, and what options you have to prevent or combat it.

What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia, also known as presbyopia, is a natural condition that primarily affects people over 40 years old. Over time, the lens of the eye loses elasticity, making it difficult to focus on nearby objects. Imagine it like a camera zoom that stops working well: you can see what is far away, but what is close becomes blurry.

Symptoms of presbyopia

• Difficulty reading small letters or nearby texts.
• Need to hold objects further away to see them clearly.
• Eye fatigue after using devices like computers or phones.
• Frequent headaches.
• Feeling of dryness in the eyes or excessive tearing.

Causes of presbyopia

Although age is the main factor, there are other elements that can accelerate or worsen presbyopia:

1. Excessive screen use: Spending many hours in front of the computer forces our eyes to constantly focus, increasing visual fatigue. Additionally, the brightness of screens can be a silent enemy for our vision.
2. Inadequate lighting: Working in poorly lit environments or with very bright light forces the eyes to exert more effort.
3. Incorrect posture: Not using a good work-from-home chair or not having proper ergonomics can lead us to place the screen at an incorrect distance.

Prevention

The best way to take care of your eyes is to implement small changes in your routine. Here are some practical tips:

• Apply the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away (about 6 meters) for 20 seconds. This will give your eyes a break.
• Optimise your workspace: Ergonomics is key. Adjust the screen to eye level and about 50-70 cm away. A gray desk chair can also help you maintain the correct posture.
• Care for the lighting: Work with natural light whenever possible and avoid reflections on the screen.
• Blink more: Yes, it sounds strange, but blinking frequently helps prevent dry eyes.
• Periodic check-ups: Have eye exams at least once a year.

Treatment for presbyopia

The good news is that there are several solutions available for presbyopia. Choosing the right treatment will depend on your needs and lifestyle.

1. Reading glasses: They are the most common and economical solution. There are glasses with progressive lenses that allow you to see up close and far away without needing to take them off.
2. Contact lenses: For those who prefer to avoid glasses, there are multifocal lenses that effectively correct presbyopia.
3. Laser surgery: Laser correction can be a permanent option for some people, although it is not for everyone. Consult a specialist if you are interested in this alternative.
4. Visual exercises: Although they do not reverse presbyopia, they help reduce eye fatigue. You can try exercises like moving your eyes in different directions or focusing and defocusing on objects.

Impact of computer use on presbyopia

One of the biggest culprits of the increase in presbyopia today is prolonged use of electronic devices. Did you know that looking at the computer for hours forces the eye muscles to work harder? Additionally, screens emit blue light, which can affect sleep and worsen visual fatigue.

To minimise this impact:

• Use blue light filters or activate the "night" mode on your devices.
• Adjust the brightness and contrast of the screen.
• Make sure to maintain good ergonomics in your workspace.

Presbyopia is not something you can completely avoid, but you can delay its effects and relieve its symptoms with healthy habits. Take care of your eyes, maintain an adequate workspace with good lighting, and don't forget to rest. Additionally, consult a professional to find the treatment that best suits you.

Remember: your eyes are like a camera that allows you to capture life. If you take good care of them, they will stay focused for many more years.