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More than ever before, adults in the US are living with chronic pain. According to recent reports, over 51 million people are in near-constant pain every day. These numbers surpass those who live with other serious issues like diabetes, depression, and hypertension. The reasons for this spike are diverse, but one likely cause is the proliferation of vision impairment. To date, more than 8% of adults have some degree of vision problems.

The intersection of pain and vision

The eyes are among the most used organs in the body. Used whether at rest or play, the eyes can age rather quickly, given how they’re exposed to damaging elements. Over time, this can cause ocular strain as the retinal cells react to oxidative stress. When this happens, vision becomes blurry, and the eyes are usually forced to overcompensate, causing further fatigue and damage.

This translates to pain in a number of ways. First, poor vision can cause pressure on the ophthalmic region of the trigeminal nerve. This causes irritation that overly stimulates the sensory receptors, which can manifest in numbness or significant pain around the eyelids, brow bone, and upper cheeks. Next, refractive errors that include misaligned vision cause the brain to work double time just to perceive images better. In doing so, the body naturally stiffens up as this posture is associated with more focus. While this may work temporarily, it tenses the muscles, causing stiff neck and back pain. Finally, in more select cases, the frustration of having blurred vision can also cause mandibular soreness as one clenches their jaw in response.

Combatting vision-related pain

Wear protective eyewear

Most people only focus on corrective eyewear when thinking of eye health. However, protective eyewear is just as important as this prevents damage from happening. Given that the average adult clocks in over seven hours of screentime daily, one such protective eyewear worth investing in is blue light glasses. As seen on EyeBuyDirect, these are available with or without prescriptions, so virtually anyone can use them. Since overexposure to blue light causes retinal degradation, these glasses use special blue-violet light filters to prevent these potentially damaging wavelengths from penetrating the eyes. Another form of essential protective glasses is sunglasses. Pairs that offer UVA and UVB protection safeguard eyes against harsh sunlight that can burn the eye’s surface. Some retailers like Oakley also offer polarized coatings on their sunnies to add an extra layer of protection against painful glare. With both of these protective glasses in your arsenal, your eyes can be more comfortable and less strained.

Apply eye lubricants

The eyes require lubrication in order to function comfortably and properly. Unfortunately, dry eye is common today, with the NIH reporting that up to 50% of all people experience this. If left untreated, dry eyes can result in vision impairment, redness, itchiness, and ocular exhaustion. Because some people naturally feel compelled to relieve this dryness by rubbing their eyes, this also heightens the risk of corneal abrasions. To remedy this, try using artificial tears or lubricants. These solutions are specifically designed to soothe and moisturize tired eyes. As highlighted by Bausch + Lomb, lubricants can come in the form of drops or washes. The former is usually easier to apply on the go, as you literally just have to apply a few drops directly into the eye using the slim tip. Meanwhile, the latter is a bit more involved because you must use a cup to flush your eye. The benefit of washes is that they may offer more long-lasting relief. That said, a Yahoo! article reminds users only to use FDA-approved lubricants since some brands may use chemicals that are actually too harsh for the delicate eye area.

Get more sleep

As mentioned in our article on “How To Improve Your Overall Physical Health,” sleeping properly ensures that the immune system is strong and physical functions are working optimally. For your eyes, getting enough rest allows them to purge out the toxins and replenish vital nutrients. It’s also during this time that the eyes can reset and repair via unfettered blood circulation and oxygenation. In order to improve your sleep hygiene, you can start by creating a relaxing bedtime routine. Avoid gadgets and food about an hour before you plan to sleep. During this hour, what you’ll want to do instead is immerse yourself in calming activities like aromatherapy, ASMR, or meditation. If you find that doing these on your own is too hard, apps like Calm can be used from a distance to create a more peaceful ambiance. This primes your mind and body for rest. Keeping your room dim and cool also helps ensure sleep is longer and deeper, and your eyes can recuperate better.

*article contributed by Tilly Hawkins