Eye Strain Physical Symptoms and Self Help

Eye strain can be caused by overwork or by working in poor light. Stress, especially following an emotional upset, can weaken the eye muscles and cause eye strain. The condition may manifest itself as a tightness around the eyes, or as difficulty in focusing on long-distance objects after focusing on near ones.

Physical Symptoms

Eyes ache on movement
• Dull, aching pain in the eyes when looking up, down, or sideways

Burning eyes
• Eyes burn and feel strained after a prolonged period of studying or reading
• Eyes feel hot and are red
• Possible headache

SELF-HELP
Apply dry, cold compresses to the eyes or bathe them with a euphrasia solution (2 drops
mother tincture added to a saltwater eyebath—1 tsp salt to ¾ cup boiled, cooled water). Rest the eyes by placing the palms lightly against closed eyes, thus relaxing them, for a couple of minutes.