Symptom 6. Eye Fatigue
Eye fatigue, or eye strain, is a common symptom experienced by those with dry eye syndrome. When the eye is insufficiently lubricated, the muscles around the eye may work harder to maintain focus, leading to feelings of fatigue or strain. This can be particularly pronounced during visually demanding tasks, such as reading, working on a computer, or driving.
Addressing eye fatigue related to dry eye syndrome involves a combination of treating the underlying dry eye symptoms and adopting lifestyle changes. Using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can help maintain proper eye lubrication and alleviate fatigue. Incorporating the 20-20-20 rule – taking a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes – can also help reduce eye strain during prolonged visual tasks.
In addition to these measures, ensuring proper lighting, adjusting screen brightness, and maintaining an ergonomic workspace can help minimize eye fatigue and promote overall eye health.