A long day at work often leaves your eyes feeling tired or irritated, but persistent eye pain is never something to ignore. While mild discomfort can stem from routine screen use or lack of sleep, consistent redness, soreness, or eye fatigue may signal a deeper issue.
In today’s digital world, office environments contribute to common problems like digital eye strain and dryness. However, recurring eye redness or burning eyes can sometimes indicate infections, inflammation, or other conditions requiring professional attention. Understanding when to rest your eyes and when to see an eye doctor is key to protecting your long-term vision and comfort.
Why Eye Strain Occurs in the Workplace
Eye pain at work is often attributed to one simple cause, i.e. strain. However, many hours you've spent staring at screens, focusing on fine details, or reading small print, can fatigue the muscles responsible for focusing. Consequently, your eyes feel fatigued, dry, and at times, a dull ache might develop behind your (tired) eyes.
Poor lighting, air conditioning, and/or bad posture can exacerbate the symptoms. From office workers to professionals working remotely, digital eye strain has become one of the leading culprits for the classroom workplace. When your eye muscles don't get enough rest, your continual effort to focus can lead you to experience a burning or watering sensation, or blurred vision.
It is normal to occasionally experience either discomfort or soreness, but if the eye discomfort is still present hours later, or if your eye strain prevents you from completing your work, it is time to look at the factors contributing to your discomfort.
The Link Between Eye Redness and Pain
Eye redness is your body’s way of signaling irritation or inflammation. When blood vessels in the whites of your eyes expand, they make your eyes appear pink or bloodshot. While this can result from tiredness or allergies, it’s often associated with eye strain or dryness caused by long periods of screen exposure.
In some cases, redness accompanied by eye pain or burning eyes can be a warning sign of infection, corneal injury, or inflammation. For instance, conditions like conjunctivitis, blepharitis, or uveitis can cause both redness and soreness.
If the redness does not go away after rest, or if it is paired with swelling or discharge, that’s a clear indicator of when to see an eye doctor for proper diagnosis.
Digital Eye Strain: A Modern Workplace Challenge
Widespread, as it is, most desk workers encounter digital eye strain eventually. With video meetings, phone use, and excessive typing, the eyes are in constant use, which leads to eye fatigue, headaches, and feeling of “burning” coarseness, especially in environments with artificial lighting or glare.
Digital eye strain is not just a painful experience. Eventually, it has a cumulative effect on concentration, productivity, or sleep. A helpful tip is to follow the 20-20-20 rule: after 20 minutes of digital screen use, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
If your eye pain continues despite implementing healthy screen habits, you may need to arrange an appointment with a healthcare provider to provide perspective on other underlying causes impacting the pain you’re experiencing.
When to See an Eye Doctor
It’s important to know when to see an eye doctor for persistent eye pain. Many people assume irritation is normal after a long day, but ongoing redness, dryness, or sensitivity can signal more serious issues.
You should schedule an appointment if you experience:
- Eye pain lasting more than a day
- Redness that does not improve with rest
- Burning eyes or a gritty sensation
- Blurred or double vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Discharge or swelling around the eyes
Ignoring these symptoms can allow minor irritation to become an infection or inflammation. An optometrist can determine whether your eye pain is caused by eye strain, dryness, or an underlying medical condition.
How to Avoid Eyestrain and Fatigue While Working
Protecting your eyes while working is not as difficult as it seems. The vast majority of eyestrain can be avoided with simple adjustments to your environment and habits. Make sure your screen brightness matches the ambient lighting where you work and have the monitor about an arm's length away from your face.
Remember to blink frequently to prevent your eyes from drying. This is particularly important if you work in a climate-controlled space. If you frequently have red eyes, using artificial tears can keep your eyes refreshed. Taking short breaks every hour can significantly reduce eye fatigue and discomfort in the long run.
Having your vision monitored regularly will also help make sure your vision is up to date and that your eyes are healthy.
When Eye Pain Indicates a Serious Issue
While most eye pain is related to ocular fatigue or dryness, there are a few symptoms indicating the need for medical attention. Symptoms, such as significant pain, sudden loss of vision, or deep redness, could indicate problems like corneal ulcer, infection, or even glaucoma.
If you are experiencing pain in one eye, halos around lights, or nausea in relation to any visual change, it’s especially important to understand when to call an eye doctor. An eye doctor can help with a diagnosis and treatment, so you don’t end up experiencing permanent vision loss.
Conclusion
Occasional eye pain after a long workday is common, but ongoing discomfort, eye redness, or eye fatigue should not be ignored. Whether caused by digital eye strain, dryness, or something more serious, paying attention to your symptoms is vital for long-term eye health.
At Elite Eye Care, we specialize in diagnosing and treating all forms of eye pain and workplace-related eye issues. If you experience persistent burning eyes, irritation, or strain, schedule a visit today. Early care ensures clear, comfortable, and healthy vision at work and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What causes eye discomfort at work?
Digital eye strain, eye dryness, or they may be caused by improper lighting. If you stare at a screen for an extended period of time without taking breaks, it probably induces more discomfort.
2. When should I make an appointment with an eye doctor regarding eye redness?
You should schedule an appointment with an eye doctor for eye redness if the redness continues for longer than one day, or if you are experiencing any pain, swelling, or blurry vision.
3. Can digital eye strain cause burning eyes?
Yes, digital eye strain is a common reason for dry eyes, itchy/burning eyes, and fatigued eyes. Taking breaks will often provide relief.
4. What can I do to help with eye strain at work?
Follow good vision care habits. Decrease brightness on your screen, maintain an appropriate posture while working, and use artificial tears to prevent eye fatigue.