What to do if my eyes hurt? Techniques for effective exercises

ophthalmologist of the highest category of the “Happy Look” and “Megaoptics” optical salons chain

Why do my eyes hurt and what to do about it?

For two years of pandemic, self-isolation and remote work modes, many people have forgotten that it is necessary to take breaks while working at the computer. And if it used to be necessary to take a break from the screen to go to lunch, take part in an offline meeting or talk to colleagues, at home all processes are built around gadgets. But eye pain can occur not only because of the long use of gadgets.

External factors

Eye pain can be affected by improperly adjusted artificial lighting, strong wind on the street and dry air indoors. Together with prolonged work at the computer, this threatens to become not just an inconvenience, but a disease that has its own name – computer visual syndrome. Most often it appears in office workers, schoolchildren and everyone who spends a lot of time with gadgets, as well as in a room with dry air.

What to do. Seek help from an ophthalmologist. The doctor will recommend eye exercises and prescribe treatment, which may include moisturizing drops and vitamin complexes. A humidifier in your office or room is also a great solution.

Contact lenses

Particularly attentive to unpleasant sensations in the eyes should be owners of contact lenses. For example, if you wear the products longer than specified in the instructions, sleep in lenses not intended for this purpose, wear them after the expiration date or period of use, the eyes regularly experience a lack of oxygen.

Corneal hypoxia is the result of improper contact lens use. When the condition is neglected, a person experiences sharp pain, burning and other unpleasant sensations in the eyes, which can not be ignored. In addition, redness of the ocular surface and a general inflamed appearance of the eyes are noted. Therefore, hygiene in the use of lenses is especially important.

Also, if you chose lenses on your own or on the advice of an inexperienced specialist, they may not be suitable for you. For example, in case of medium and high degree astigmatism, toric lenses (different in shape) should be used instead of ordinary lenses. But even if you do not have astigmatism, standard lenses sometimes do not fit the size, for example, the base curvature. If the lens is not your size, it can damage your eye, causing pain.

Even small defects, scratches or cracks on contact lenses can cause pain in the eye, causing noticeable discomfort.

What to do. Damaged lenses should be discarded and replaced with a new pair. Buy lenses only in specialized opticians, otherwise you risk getting low-quality products.

Problems with glasses

If you wear glasses but haven’t been to the ophthalmologist for a long time, unpleasant sensations in your eyes may indicate that you need new lenses. The problem may also lie in the fact that you’re not wearing the glasses that your specialist has prescribed for you. Trying to see text or objects in the distance without corrective devices can cause eye strain.

What to do. Be sure to have your vision checked regularly by a trusted eye care professional.

Allergies

Seasonal allergies can also lead to inflammation and eye pain: increased tearing, red eyes, pain, burning and itching.

What to do. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you should abandon lenses in favor of glasses for the duration of the exacerbation. If you suspect that the allergy is caused by a poorly matched pair of lenses or solution, consult an ophthalmologist. He will choose the right products and care products.

Eye exercises to relieve eye fatigue

1. Stick any sticker on the window pane so that it is clearly visible against the background of the landscape. The exercise consists in changing the focus. Look at the sticker – at the view outside the window – again at the sticker.
2. “Draw” with your gaze different geometric shapes. Move your gaze diagonally, depict a figure eight, a square – anything that well engages the oculomotor muscles.
3. In between exercises it is recommended to perform frequent blinking, so the muscles around the eyes will also be in tone.

There are no contraindications to these exercises. They can be performed and those who wear glasses, and those who do not need them. Prevention will benefit everyone.