Are you at risk for developing eye strain? There are a number of commonly known tasks that put you at risk for eye strain. But there are more that you probably are not aware of. In order to prevent eye stain or treat eye strain you need to know if and when you are at risk for it.
Screen/Computer Users
If you stare at a light emitting source -- like a computer monitor -- for most of the day you are at risk for developing eye strain. Computer use is a higher risk than other types of screen use, such as television watching, because of the added concentration that computer use typically entails. Video gamers also fall into this category.Intensive Readers
This includes students, librarians, editors, journalists, etc. If you look at printed words for hours at a time you are at risk for developing eye strain.Athletes
Athletes often have to track fast moving things over varying distances. During a game this is not much of a problem. But when practicing the same thing over and over again there is a risk of developing eye strain. Some positions most susceptible to eye strain are:- Baseball pitchers/batters
- Football wide receivers
- Hockey players
- Golfers
- Tennis players
Needle Work Enthusiasts
If you knit, crochet, sew or do some type of needle work you are at risk for eye strain. Intensely focusing at the same spot, relatively close to the body will put some serious strain on your eyes.Model Makers
If you build small-scale models you are usually focused on small details within a couple feet of your body. Much like needle work enthusiasts, you are at risk for eye strain.Drivers
Driving, professionally or not, can be a risk for eye strain. Glare from the road and the atmosphere can hurt your eyes. Add to that the fact that you are looking at things in constant motion and you have to rapidly focus on differing distances and you will wear your eyes out.Seamen/Boaters/Fishermen
If you spend a lot of time looking at the water. you are at risk for eye strain. The glare coming off the water puts a lot of strain on your eyes.Other Risk Factors
Other things that increase your risk for developing eye strain are:- Aging - the older you get, the weaker your eye muscles become
- Dehydration - if you don't have enough water in your system your eyes can get dry
- Vision Problems - if corrective lenses can help your eye sight they will help with eye strain
- Contact Lenses - especially extended wear contact lenses, take them out every day
