That lightheaded or dizzy feeling that follows hours spent on the computer or reading a book can feel confusing, especially when you haven’t done anything physically demanding. You might wonder if it’s all in your head, but our experienced team at Precision Eye Care knows how to help you find the answer.
Yes, eye fatigue can contribute to feelings of dizziness and disorientation. When your eyes work too hard for too long, they can send mixed signals to your brain, a condition often called digital eye strain.
What Eye Fatigue Feels Like
When you focus on a single task for a long time, your eye muscles can get tired, just like any other muscle in your body. This is often called eye fatigue or eye strain. It can mean your eyes have been overworked and need a break.
Common Signs of Tired Eyes
You might notice these common signs of eye strain after activities that involve a lot of eye use, like reading or spending a long time on the computer. Watch out for:
- Sore, burning, or scratchy eyes
- Dry or watery eyes
- Blurred or double vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Headaches
The Link Between Tired Eyes and Dizziness
Your eyes and brain are in constant communication to help you navigate the world. When your eyes become overworked, this communication can get disrupted. That confusion between what you see and how your brain interprets it can leave you feeling dizzy.
How Visual Overload Affects Balance
Focusing intently for long stretches can cause your eye muscles to tighten. This strain may lead to a feeling of visual overload, contributing to lightheadedness. You also tend to blink less when concentrating, which can cause dry, irritated eyes that can blur your vision and make the dizzy sensation worse.
Tension Headaches and Neck Pain
Strained eye muscles don’t just affect your eyes—they can create a chain reaction. The tension can spread to your head, neck, and shoulders, often due to poor posture.
Vision Problems That Can Lead to Dizziness
Not all dizziness is an eye-related issue, but sometimes it’s more than just a sign of temporary fatigue. It might point to an underlying vision issue that a professional can help address.
When Your Eyes Don’t Work as a Team
To see a single, clear image, both of your eyes need to work together. If they are misaligned or not coordinating properly (sometimes referred to as strabismus or other eye-teaming issues), your eye muscles work extra hard to compensate. This constant effort can contribute to headaches, dizziness, and a sense of disorientation.
An Outdated or Incorrect Prescription
If you wear glasses or contacts with the wrong prescription, your eyes strain to see clearly. This can lead to eye fatigue and related symptoms like dizziness because your eyes are fighting to focus through the wrong lenses. That’s why regular eye exams are important for keeping your prescription current.
How to Know if Dizziness Is Eye-Related
You can start to figure out if your eyes are the source of your dizziness by paying attention to when it happens. If you notice it most often after long periods of screen use or detailed close-up work, your eyes could be the culprit.
Notice Your Symptom Patterns
Try to connect your activities with when you feel dizzy. Do you feel unsteady after a long day of computer work? Does it get worse when you try to focus on small text? These clues can help point toward an eye-related issue.
The Importance of a Comprehensive Eye Exam
A great way to know for sure what’s going on is to have your eyes checked. A comprehensive eye exam from an eye doctor in Bridgeport can help identify issues like eye misalignment or an outdated prescription that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Simple Ways to Relieve Eye Fatigue and Dizziness
You can make small adjustments to your daily routine to help your eyes feel more comfortable. These simple habits can help reduce fatigue and the dizzy feelings that come with it.
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
The 20-20-20 rule is an easy one to remember. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something that is at least 20 feet away. This quick pause gives your hardworking eye muscles a much-needed break.
Create a More Comfortable Workspace
Your workspace can affect how comfortable your eyes feel. Try these tips to give your eyes some help:
- Position your monitor about an arm’s length away and slightly below eye level
- Make sure your room has good lighting to reduce screen glare
- Use lubricating eye drops to help with dryness and irritation
When to See an Eye Doctor
While these tips can help manage temporary eye strain, dizziness that continues is worth looking into. Not all dizziness is related to your eyes, so it’s important to have persistent symptoms looked at by a medical provider. A member of our team can perform a thorough evaluation to find what might be contributing to your discomfort.
Schedule an Appointment
If you’re dealing with constant feelings of dizziness or eye fatigue, our team in Bridgeport, West Virginia, wants to see you. Precision Eye Care offers routine eye exams, trend-setting eyewear, and a welcoming touch that aims to make you and your family feel at home. Book an appointment to prioritize your eye health and comfort today.
