Headaches are one of the most common physical ailments and are experienced at some point by nearly everyone. 1 in 6 adults suffer from chronic headaches and nearly 50 billion dollars a year is spent in treating headache related symptoms, much of which is covered by individual medical health insurance plans.
Eye strain is a major trigger of headaches for a large percentage of the population. Much of the problem is no doubt due to the amount of time that we all spend in front of television and computer screens both on the job and at home. Although not usually a long term problem, the resulting pain can be very uncomfortable and may effect your productivity.
A few ways to avoid computer related eye strain:
- Take frequent breaks – Look away from the computer screen frequently and focus at object at different distances.
- Blink as much as possible – This will prevent dry eyes. Eyes require lubrication from the tear ducts to work efficiently.
- Use appropriate eyewear – Make sure your prescription is right for computer work. This includes glare resistant coatings and getting yearly eye exams.
If you experience eye strain related headaches frequently and over a long period of time, this could be a indicator of a more serious condition. A more intensive test, such as a CAT scan, may be in order. Be aware that many individual vision insurance plans will not cover the cost of this, so it may be necessary to seek a referral to a specialist if you suspect that your headache is the result of more than just tired eyes.