Have you ever been working on your laptop for a long period, or perhaps scrolling on social media only to find that your vision suddenly turns blurry?
Being able to unfocus your eyes on command naturally is normal, but not everyone can do this vision trick. Sometimes, it might occur due to fatigue.
So, is unfocusing your eyes bad for you? Well, we’ll explore below the risks of unfocusing your eyes and how you can protect your vision with GlassesShops expert advice and high quality eyewear.
Can Everyone Unfocus Their Eyes?
Unfocusing your eyes happens due to the relaxation of the ciliary muscles which causes your eyes to lose their focusing powers.
We’ve all experienced our eyes unfocusing at some point due to the relaxation of these eye muscles but some people can unfocus their eyes on demand.
Unfocused eyes are not a natural state to be kept in and your eyes should be able to focus without additional effort. If you find that you keep having unfocused vision or you are having issues focusing you should visit your optician.
Does Astigmatism Cause Eyes To Unfocus?
For people with astigmatism, your vision can appear blurry or uncomfortable due to the light in your eye being unable to focus on your retina properly.
This is because with astigmatism the light in your eyes enters at a bent angle as the cornea/lens of your eye has an irregular shape. With this, it will cause blurry vision at all distances.
Astigmatism is a common condition you can be born with or some people develop it as they age or after surgery for example.
The Science Behind Unfocused Vision
Unfocusing your eyes essentially means the act of not using your eyes at their full capacity. It’s common and most of us experience it when staring at a single point for an extended period without blinking or adjusting focus.
This leads to a condition known as eye strain or asthenopia.
With most of the modern workforce now working behind screens, many of us, myself included, now suffer with eye strain and fatigue which causes blurriness.
The eye is engineered to work at varying distances with ease but continuously focusing on a close-up object like a screen is not natural for the eye, leading to a range of symptoms.
Symptoms Of Unfocused Vision
If you're dealing with periods of unfocus, you are likely experiencing the following -
Blurred vision.
Dry/irritated eyes.
Headaches.
Difficulty in focusing near/far objects.
Eye discomfort/pain.
The Dangers Of Prolonged Unfocused Vision
Unfocused vision isn’t anything to worry about on occasion, but if it starts happening more regularly or for longer periods, then it’s something you should be concerned about.
It is possible that unfocused vision could cause the following -
Myopia (nearsightedness) - A condition where objects in the distance appear blurry and usually requires a prescription to correct it.
Dry eye syndrome - Chronic lack of lubrication and moisture on the eye's surface.
Computer vision syndrome - A group of vision-related problems that come from prolonged computer usage.
How To Stop Unfocusing Your Eyes (Preventative Measures & Solutions)
Take regular breaks - Many people who work from their computer or laptop follow the 20-20-20 rule. This means every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to help reduce eye strain.
Adjust your workspace - Keep your computer screen at eye level around an arm's length away, this will also help with your posture!
Use blue light blocking glasses - We stock a range of blue light blocking glasses which help reduce the harmful effects of blue light emitted from digital screens and reduce eye fatigue.
Stay hydrated - Try to keep your eyes moist with artificial tears, drink lots of water and blink more often. For people with contact lenses, we’ve found that choosing moist contact lenses can help with this.
Eye exercises - Doing regular eye exercises can help strengthen your eye muscles that control your eye movements and reduce eye strain.
Why Choose GlassesShop To Help With Blurry Vision
At GlassesShop we understand the importance of your eye health and how your eyewear plays an important role in maintaining it.
We offer a wide range of glasses that can help with unfocused vision such as -
Computer glasses - Designed for use in front of a screen for long periods with special anti-reflective coatings.
Bifocal and progressive lenses - Allows you to focus on both near and far objects without the need for multiple pairs of glasses.
Reading glasses - Perfect for people who need that little extra help with close-up tasks. Our reading glasses come in a variety of different styles and strengths to suit your needs.
Anti-reflective coatings - These reduce glare and improve visual clarity which makes them ideal for people who spend a lot of time on digital devices (which is most of us nowadays!).
Correct Your Blurry Vision Today With GlassesShop
Your vision is precious, and that’s why at GlassesShop we are committed to helping you protect it!
Unfocused vision shouldn’t be ignored, it's a sign that your eyes need a break or the right support. You can visit our store to explore our range of eyewear to enhance your vision and comfort.
Remember, good eye health starts with awareness and the right tools and that’s why GlassesShop is here for you.