If you’ve ever found yourself rubbing your eyes after a long day of reading or looking at a screen, you’re not alone. In today’s digital age, eye strain is a common complaint. But a lot of people wonder, do reading glasses actually work for eye strain?
So, let’s find out how reading glasses help with eye strain, and when to see an eye doctor in Palo Alto for a solution that’s right for you.
Understanding Eye Strain
Eye strain, or asthenopia, is the condition of your eyes getting fatigued from strenuous activity. Common causes include:
- Prolonged screen time (computer, phone, tablet)
- Reading for extended periods
- Poor lighting conditions
- Uncorrected vision problems
Symptoms often include:
- Blurred vision
- Dry or watery eyes
- Headaches
- Difficulty focusing
- Neck and shoulder tension
These symptoms can impact your productivity, comfort, and even sleep.
How Do Reading Glasses Work?
Reading glasses are meant to correct presbyopia, a natural condition caused by aging in which the lens of the eye becomes less flexible, making it more difficult to focus on up-close tasks. (It typically starts for most people in their 40s and beyond.)
These reading glasses serve to provide further magnification, so the effort to bring nearby objects into focus is less on your eyes. This can help tremendously for those who have near vision struggles, with symptoms of eye strain.
Do Reading Glasses Really Help with Eye Strain?
Yes, reading glasses can alleviate eye strain if the underlying problem is uncorrected presbyopia or nearwork. They relieve the stress on your eye muscles and help you see better for longer periods. However, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution.
In fact, the wrong prescription or over-the-counter readers can worsen symptoms in some cases. This is why consulting an eye specialist in Palo Alto is essential, to make sure that you are using the right type of lens for your vision requirement.
Screen Use and Digital Eye Strain
But not all eye strain occurs from reading books. In the present day, many people are struggling with digital eye strain due to an excessive and prolonged amount of time spent in front of a screen. In these cases, blue-light-protective reading glasses or customized computer lenses may provide even more relief than standard readers.
Substantial time spent on the computer may indicate that you would benefit more from task-specific lenses as prescribed by a Palo Alto optometry expert.
When to See an Eye Doctor
If you’re also constantly dealing with eye strain, don’t count on drugstore readers to solve the issue. In order to get to the root cause, schedule an eye exam with Dr. Joy Lam, Optometrist in Palo Alto. She will do the following during your visit:
- Evaluate your vision and eye health.
- Look for underlying conditions.
- Suggestions on reading/computer glasses.
- Provide advice on eye-friendly practices and lighting.
Having a solution that is tailored to you can be a world of difference when it comes to feeling comfortable in your day-to-day life and with the overall health of your eyes.
Some Simple Ways to Avoid Eye Strain
In addition to wearing the right glasses, here are some habits to develop:
- Use the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Use lighting correctly to avoid glare.
- Set up your screen with good contrast.
- Take regular breaks from screens and near work.
- Drink plenty of water and remember to blink often to avoid drying out your eyes.
Final Thoughts
Reading glasses can be a valuable weapon in the fight against eye strain but only if used correctly. Consult with a trusted optometrist who guides you toward long-term eye comfort specific to your vision needs in Palo Alto for the best results.Refine Optometry is focused on expert care, with a personal touch. If you’re suffering from eye strain or want to see if reading glasses are the right choice for you, see our Palo Alto optometry clinic today to schedule your comprehensive eye exam.