Eyestrain Cause, Symptoms, Treating Sources

Eyestrain is used to describe any discomfort or distress related to the eyes or seeing. It is not, however, a medical term. The body’s response to visual difficulty is to contract the muscles around the eye, and it is this that may cause the sensation of strain. Prolonged and constant use of a VDU system, intense periods of reading, wearing incorrectly prescribed glasses, and working in bad light can all lead to eyestrain, but these things do not necessarily damage the eyes, as is popularly believed.

Symptoms 
• feeling of tightness around the eyes
• focusing difficulties
• recurrent headaches, particularly across the forehead and behind the eyes

TREATMENT 

Traditional Folk and Home Remedies
A slice of cucumber over tired, strained eyes is invigorating and soothing. Drink fresh lemon juice, which is restorative. Roast an apple and apply the pulp to the eye area to relieve inflamed or tired eyes. The ancient Greeks used fresh white cabbage juice, mixed with a small amount of honey, to relieve sore or inflamed eyes.

Chinese Herbalism 
Chinese practitioners believe that eye problems may be due to exhausted Blood, and the following herbs may be useful: wolfberry, mulberry, chrysanthemum flowers, and cassia seed. Herbalism Cool compresses of chickweed, eyebright, or marigold should be placed over the eyes and left for 10–15 minutes.

Aromatherapy 
A few drops of fennel oil, on a cool compress laid over the eye area, will soothe puffy, inf lamed eyes. Add 1 drop of lemon or rose aromatherapy oil to 2 tablespoons of carrier oil, and massage into the temples and the bony areas around the eyes (avoid the immediate eye area).

Homeopathy 
The following remedies can be taken up to four times per day for a week. If the symptoms persist, see your homeopath. Ruta, when eyes feel strained after reading for long periods; also good for a burning sensation. Arnica, for tired eyes resulting from long periods of driving and looking into the distance.  Nat. mur, when eyes are painful on looking up, down, or sideways.

Vitamins and Minerals 
Vitamin A and vitamin B12 are useful if you suffer from periodic or chronic eyestrain.