From Eye Strain to Muscle Imbalances: A Complete Guide to Eye Health

Evaluation Before Treatment

A careful evaluation is needed before starting any treatment procedure for eye strain. It is a well-known fact that excessive computer usage is the primary cause of eye strain. In some cases, when examined, there may be no apparent problem with the eyes causing the strain. The examination results may be positive and perfect, yet over-usage of the eyes remains the primary cause of eye strain. Eye strain can also be caused by excessive reading and computer usage, as well as traditional factors such as lack of eye coordination and inability to focus properly.

Understanding Eye Strain and Visual Cortex

The visual cortex is a part of the brain responsible for processing vision. When the eyes are not aligned correctly, it leads to double vision. The brain is very cautious in not allowing this to persist because it is disorienting. Consequently, the brain stimulates the eye muscles to force them into a position that eliminates double vision, which can lead to eye muscle fatigue and strain. A sudden change in eye muscle balance may indicate a serious issue, though this is rare and usually occurs in adults. It could also be a sign of a stroke, a tumor compressing the eye muscle nerves, or an aneurysm. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience sudden double vision.

Eye Muscle Imbalances in Children

Sometimes, babies and children suffer from eye muscle imbalances, causing their eyes to become crossed and leading to a lazy eye. Lazy eye is known as amblyopia, and crossed eyes are referred to as strabismus. Treatment options include patching the dominant eye, eye exercises, and wearing glasses. If these methods do not correct the condition, straightening eye muscle surgery may be necessary. Children may feel awkward about wearing an eye patch and resist going to school, fearing ridicule. It is the responsibility of parents to explain the potential benefits of wearing the eye patch to their children.

Convergence Insufficiency vs. Convergence Excess

If the eyes are not crossed but are under strain and the patient can still see without double vision, it may be a case of convergence insufficiency or convergence excess. Convergence insufficiency is common and can be treated with eye exercises, while convergence excess is also common and can be managed with reading glasses.

Consultation

Consult your doctor to learn more about eye muscle imbalances and the available treatment options to ease them.

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