Asthenopia (aesthenopia)

What is Asthenopia?

Asthenopia, also referred to as aesthenopia, is a term used by the eye care profession to describe an ophthalmic condition. It is more commonly known as eye strain, and refers to a number of symptoms that contribute to discomfort of your eyes.

How is caused?

Asthenopia is a result of concentrating on a visually intense task, such as reading or using the computer for long periods. While performing these tasks your eyes are kept focused on a fixed distance, this in turn causes tightening of the inner eye muscles, leading to dry and irritable eyes. The resulting symptoms can include tiredness of the eyes, redness, blurred or double vision and headache.

Asthenopia is also caused by refractive errors, such as short and long sightedness, which also result in strained and tired eyes.

When reading a book or using the computer, the condition can be exaggerated by small text and fonts, as well as reflections on the computer screen and working in poor lighting conditions.

What can I do about asthenopia?

You can help relieve the symptoms of asthenopia by giving your eyes a break when performing visually intensive tasks. Take the time at least once in every hour spent working to look away and focus on a distant object, also take the time to blink and rest your eyes.

If you have not already done so in the last 2 years it is also advisable to visit an optician and have your eyes and vision checked.