Asthenopia Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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asthenopia
[æsˈθɛnəpiə ]
Definition
visual discomfort
Asthenopia, commonly known as eye strain, refers to a group of symptoms related to visual discomfort that occur after prolonged use of the eyes. It often manifests as fatigue, discomfort, or headaches, especially in activities like reading or using digital devices. Asthenopia is not a specific condition but rather a collection of symptoms that can impact quality of life and productivity.
Synonyms
eye strain, visual discomfort, visual fatigue.
Examples of usage
- After staring at the computer screen all day, I experienced symptoms of asthenopia.
- Sufferers of asthenopia often report blurred vision and tired eyes.
- Proper lighting can help reduce the risk of developing asthenopia during reading.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Health
- Symptoms include headaches, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing, especially after screen time.
- Around 50% of people who regularly use computers report experiencing some form of eye strain.
- Taking regular breaks and following the 20-20-20 rule can help prevent symptoms: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Technology
- With the rise of digital screens, occurrences of asthenopia have increased significantly in modern society.
- Certain screen settings, like brightness and blue light exposure, can exacerbate discomfort.
- Ergonomic adjustments when working on computers, such as screen height and proper lighting, are essential for eye health.
Psychology
- Prolonged visual tasks can lead to mental fatigue, which may exacerbate the sensations of eye strain.
- Stress and anxiety can intensify the perception of discomfort in the eyes during tasks that require focus.
- Humans often underestimate the need for regular breaks, which are crucial for maintaining mental and physical well-being.
Literature
- Descriptions of eye strain have appeared in various forms of literature, often reflecting the cultural implications of technology.
- Authors have used characters experiencing eye fatigue as a metaphor for the overwhelming nature of modern life and its challenges.
- Literature sometimes highlights the link between visual fatigue and the pursuit of knowledge, noting the physical costs of intellectual labor.
Origin of 'asthenopia'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Greek 'asthenia,' meaning weakness, and 'opia,' meaning vision.
- It describes a lack of strength in the eyes, particularly related to prolonged visual tasks.
- The term has been used in medical texts since the early 20th century to describe visual fatigue.
The term 'asthenopia' comes from the Greek words 'astheneo' meaning 'to be weak' and 'opsis' meaning 'vision'. The term began to be used in the medical field in the late 19th century as the use of text and other visual tasks became more prevalent among the public. As more people began using machines and engaging in prolonged close-up tasks, eye strain became a recognized issue, leading to the coining of terms like asthenopia. The concept of asthenopia gained prominence with the rise of the printing press and the gradual shift toward a more literate society, necessitating innovations in visual ergonomics.