Dr Maggie Ju
Acupuncture London

Understanding Eye Strain and Eye Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Acupuncture

Our eyes are incredible tools that allow us to perceive the world around us, but the modern age has imposed significant demands on them. With the increasing reliance on digital devices, the prevalence of eye strain and eye pain has surged. These discomforts, while common, shouldn't be overlooked, as they might indicate underlying issues and can significantly impact daily life.

Understanding Eye Strain and Eye Pain

Causes of Eye Strain:

Eye strain, also known as asthenopia, occurs when your eyes get tired from intense use. Prolonged focusing on digital screens, reading for extended periods, driving long distances, or engaging in activities with poor lighting can contribute to eye strain. Additionally, underlying issues such as uncorrected vision problems, dry eyes, or improper viewing distances can exacerbate the strain.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of eye strain and eye pain can vary from person to person. Some of the common signs include:

Sore, tired, or itching eyes

Headaches

Blurred or double vision

Sensitivity to light

Difficulty concentrating

Neck, shoulder, or back pain

Impact of Digital Devices:

The digital era has brought forth a plethora of devices, from smartphones to computers, which have become integral parts of daily life. Unfortunately, the extended use of these devices often leads to digital eye strain. The blue light emitted by screens, combined with the prolonged periods of focusing and reduced blinking, contributes significantly to eye discomfort.

Acupuncture is a natural and effective approach to release eye strain and eye pain.

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Understanding Eye Pain Related to Muscles: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Eye pain can be a debilitating condition that affects daily activities and overall quality of life. While there are numerous causes for eye discomfort, one often overlooked source is muscular strain and dysfunction.

The Role of Eye Muscles

The human eye relies on six extraocular muscles to control its movement: the superior rectus, inferior rectus, lateral rectus, medial rectus, superior oblique, and inferior oblique muscles. These muscles work in concert to facilitate a range of movements, including up, down, left, right, and rotational movements. Proper functioning of these muscles is crucial for activities such as reading, driving, and coordinating hand-eye tasks.

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Causes of Muscle-Related Eye Pain

Eye Strain: Prolonged activities that require intense focus, such as reading, computer work, or using digital devices, can lead to eye strain. The continuous contraction of the eye muscles can result in discomfort and pain.

Misalignment (Strabismus): Misalignment of the eyes can cause certain muscles to overwork in an attempt to correct vision. This can lead to muscle fatigue and pain.

Orbital Myositis: This is an inflammatory condition affecting one or more of the extraocular muscles. It can cause significant eye pain, swelling, and restricted movement.

Myasthenia Gravis: An autoimmune disease that leads to muscle weakness, including the muscles that control eye movements, resulting in pain and fatigue.

Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can exert pressure on the eye muscles, causing pain and discomfort.

Symptoms of Muscle-Related Eye Pain

Identifying muscle-related eye pain involves noting specific symptoms:

Pain with Eye Movement: Discomfort that intensifies when moving the eyes, indicating potential muscle strain or inflammation.

Double Vision: Misalignment issues can cause the eyes to work harder to focus, leading to pain and visual disturbances.

Swelling and Redness: In cases like orbital myositis, visible swelling and redness around the eyes are common.

Headaches: Strained eye muscles can lead to tension headaches, often felt around the temples and forehead.