We Care Vision Care
Drs. Panner & Wen, P.C.
Family Optometry and Vision Therapy
8140 Ashton Ave. | Suite 115 | Manassas, VA 20109
phone: fax:
Comprehensive Vision Care Services
Treatment for Stress-Related Vision Problems
If you think back to human history, it has been only recently that people had their eyes exposed to sustained near activities. While our predecessors were able to rely on their far vision to survive, today’s society concentrates on close work (i.e. reading, computer, cell phones). This presents a problem because the human visual system, which includes the eyes and brain, was not designed for this. As a result, individuals will often respond to these increased visual demands with avoidance, adaptations, or stress symptoms.
If you experience the following symptoms while performing near tasks, you may be experiencing stress on your visual system:
- Tired, aching, itching, watering, or burning eyes
- Print blurring, words coming into and out of focus
- Blur when you look up from your close work
- Words doubling
- Headaches, stomach ache, nausea
After a thorough vision examination, our doctors may find it necessary to prescribe “stress-relieving lenses” to reduce visual stress. While these lenses do not “correct” the underlying problems, they put the visual system at rest and allow the eyes to focus more quickly and easily. This creates a situation where the eyes are more relaxed, resulting in better reading and retention skills.