If you suffer from eye strain or have heard that it has become a problem for many people around the world, you may want to know a little more about what eye strain actually is. And in this article, we have all the information you need, including how long eye strain lasts and, more importantly, how to prevent it! 

Although eye strain usually only lasts for about an hour after you have stopped looking at a screen, you still want to prevent it as it can cause lasting damage, insomnia, and other issues. To prevent eye strain, you should take breaks from the screen and keep your eyes moist.

Now, if you want to understand exactly how long eye strain lasts and what symptoms you will notice if you have it, keep reading! We are going to answer your questions and find out right now how to keep your eyes safe from strain. 

How Long Does Eye Strain Last?

The first thing you need to understand about eye strain is what it actually is. Eye strain is the clinical term for when your eyes get tired after intense or continuous use. 

Although you can get eye strain from reading a book, the most common reason why so many people across the globe are currently experiencing eye strain is because of the overuse of screens. 

Most people spend between 10-16 hours a day looking at a screen, whether that be a work computer, e-reader, tablet, phone, or television screen. And the blue light emitted from these screens can cause intense eye strain. 

How Do I Know If I Have Eye Strain?

Now, eye strain can be felt in many different ways, including but not limited to the following:

  • Dry, sore, or itchy eyes. 
  • Watery eyes.
  • Burning sensation. 
  • Headaches.
  • Blurred vision. 
  • Sensitivity to light. 
  • Difficulty concentrating. 
  • Insomnia. 
  • Inability to keep eyes open. 

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you are suffering from eye strain. But how long will it last? 

Usually, eye strain symptoms such as dry, sore, burning, or watery eyes will only last about an hour after you have stopped looking at the screen. However, if you are experiencing insomnia, difficulty concentrating, or headaches, it could last quite a bit longer. 

In fact, chronic eye strain is becoming a problem for many people who work online as their eyes are not getting enough of a break to ever completely recover. 

How to Prevent Eye Strain

Realistically, if you just have a long day on the computer or in front of the television and start experiencing some of the above symptoms of eye strain, as you stop looking at the screens, your symptoms will subside in about an hour. 

But if you have to look at screens on a regular basis for work, you need to know what you can and should do to prevent eye strain from becoming a real problem. 

And luckily, we have several ways to prevent eye strain right here:

  • Take frequent breaks from the screen.
  • Adjust the lighting. 
  • Keep your eyes moist.
  • Improve your air quality. 

Now, let’s step through each of these solutions so you can protect your eyes from strain. 

Take Breaks

No matter what you’re doing, whether it’s watching TV, playing a video game, working online, scrolling on your phone, reading a book, or even driving your car for long periods of time, you always need to take consistent breaks. 

You can do so by looking away from the screen to something else further away, stepping away and going outside, or simply taking a walk around the room. 

Adjust the Lights

The lights in your office or home could also be causing eye strain. Although it’s slightly different for everyone, usually, a dimmer light will help prevent eye strain. 

It’s also important to note that fluorescent lights also produce blue light that can cause strain, so if you are at home, you should ensure you purchase soft light light bulbs to protect your eyes. 

Keep Eyes Moist

Dry eyes can be a major contributor to eye strain. So while you are using blue light glasses, taking breaks from whatever you are focusing on, and ensuring the lights in your home or office are soft, you should also use eye drops throughout the day. 

Improve Air Quality

Many people don’t realize that air quality can also affect your eyes. Whether you use a heating or air conditioning unit or a standard fan, the air may be causing eye strain. 

Therefore, a great way to prevent eye strain is to either use a humidifier, keep a window open for fresh air, or skip the heating and air conditioning if it’s not completely necessary. 

Final Thoughts

As promised, you now know everything there is to know about eye strain, including how long it lasts and how to prevent it so that you can keep your eyes safe throughout the day!