Practitioner Eye Strain: Causes, Symptoms & Solutions
For those of you performing delicate procedures like eyelash extensions, do you often feel eye fatigue from your daily work? Ignoring what seems like simple "tired eyes" can lead to decreased concentration and potential mistakes, and it might even progress to "asthenopia" (severe eye strain), causing systemic issues like headaches and shoulder stiffness.
This time, let's delve into the common causes of eye strain that practitioners face and discuss practical countermeasures you can start implementing today.
Why Do Our Eyes Get Tired? The Mechanism of Eye Strain
Our eyes use a muscle called the "ciliary muscle" to adjust the thickness of the lens (like a camera lens) when focusing on nearby objects. When you continuously focus on close-up details, like during intricate procedures, this ciliary muscle remains tense, leading to eye fatigue.
The Difference Between "Eye Fatigue" and "Asthenopia"
-
Eye Fatigue (Tired Eyes): Temporary eye tiredness that recovers with rest or sleep.
-
Asthenopia (Eye Strain): Eye fatigue, pain, or blurred vision that doesn't improve even with rest. It can also be accompanied by systemic symptoms like headaches, shoulder stiffness, dizziness, or nausea.
Unlike simple tired eyes, asthenopia often doesn't resolve on its own if the underlying causes persist.
Could This Be You? Common Causes of Eye Strain
Asthenopia often results from a combination of various factors:
-
Overuse of Eyes: Accumulation of eye fatigue from prolonged close-up work and detailed tasks.
-
Vision Correction Issues: Strain on focus adjustment due to nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia. Using glasses or contact lenses that aren't the correct prescription is also a cause.
-
Stress: Mental tension disrupts the balance of the autonomic nervous system, leading to poor circulation and other issues that contribute to eye strain.
-
Dry Eye: Dryness on the surface of the eyes is another contributing factor to eye strain.
-
Other Eye Conditions: Underlying issues like cataracts, glaucoma, strabismus (crossed eyes), or ptosis (droopy eyelid) could be present.
-
Systemic Diseases: Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, anemia, autonomic dysfunction, or hormonal imbalances can also affect eye health.
-
Environmental Factors: Inadequate lighting, dryness caused by air conditioning, or even Sick Building Syndrome can contribute.
Start Today! Prevention and Countermeasures for Eye Strain
It's crucial to address eye strain while the symptoms are still mild.
-
Check Your Glasses/Contacts: Get regular eye exams and ensure your prescription is up-to-date and suitable for your work. Using different pairs for different tasks can be effective.
-
Improve Your Work Environment:
-
Lighting: Adjust lighting to ensure your workspace isn't too dim or too bright.
-
Posture: Adjust your treatment table and chair height to maintain a comfortable, natural posture.
-
Air Conditioning: Avoid direct airflow from AC units and use a humidifier to prevent dryness.
-
-
Warm Your Eyes: Applying a warm compress (like a steamed towel) around your eyes can improve blood circulation (※Avoid if you have inflammation or redness).
-
Use Eye Drops: Consult an eye doctor to get appropriate eye drops for your symptoms.
-
Relax: Relieve stress through moderate exercise, hobbies, or other enjoyable activities.
-
UV Protection: Ultraviolet rays can cause cataracts and other eye diseases. Protect your eyes with UV-blocking glasses, sunglasses, or hats.
Little-Known Fact: The Impact of UV Rays
UV radiation damages not only the skin but also the eyes. Be especially cautious during summer, on sunny days, and when dealing with reflections from snow or sand. However, UV light also has benefits, like helping the body produce Vitamin D and having sterilizing effects. The key is not excessive fear, but proper protection.
Conclusion: For the Best Service, Start with Your Own Health
Providing top-notch service to your clients requires taking care of your own health first. If you feel eye fatigue, don't ignore it. Try implementing the measures discussed today. If symptoms persist or you suspect other underlying issues, consult an ophthalmologist promptly.
Explore our full range of professional lash products, designed for optimal performance and client satisfaction.
