Neurasthenic asthenopia is a medical term used to describe eye strain caused by nervous exhaustion. The spelling of this word is quite complex and requires knowledge of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "neuro" is pronounced "ˈnjʊərəʊ", while the next two syllables "as" and "the" are pronounced as "ˈæsθiː" and "ˈθiː" respectively. The final two syllables "no" and "pia" are pronounced "nəʊˈpɪə". Though the spelling may seem intimidating, proper pronunciation is crucial for effective communication in medical settings.
Neurasthenic asthenopia is a complex medical condition characterized by a combination of symptoms related to visual fatigue, general weakness, and nervous exhaustion. The term is derived from two components: "neurasthenic," referring to neurasthenia, a neurological disorder associated with chronic fatigue, irritability, and other nervous system symptoms; and "asthenopia," which refers to eye strain or discomfort experienced during or after activities that require prolonged use of the eyes.
Neurasthenic asthenopia typically presents with various symptoms such as eyestrain, blurry or double vision, headaches, and discomfort in the eyes or surrounding areas. These symptoms are often aggravated by reading, using digital screens, or performing visually demanding tasks. Individuals may also experience general fatigue, muscle weakness, difficulty in concentration, and heightened sensitivity to light or noise. The condition is commonly associated with underlying causes such as anxiety disorders, stress, prolonged visual tasks, ocular muscle imbalances, or refractive errors.
The management of neurasthenic asthenopia involves a multifaceted approach. It may include prescription glasses or contact lenses to correct any refractive errors, visual hygiene practices such as incorporating regular breaks during visually demanding tasks, performing eye exercises, and using artificial tears to alleviate dryness. Additionally, addressing the underlying causes such as reducing stress levels, managing anxiety or fatigue, and adopting a healthy lifestyle can also be beneficial. In severe cases, consultation with ophthalmologists, optometrists, and psychiatrists may be required to provide comprehensive treatment options tailored to the individual's specific needs.
A. Occurring in nervous subjects who may be emmetropes or whose ammetropia has been corrected by glasses.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "neurasthenic asthenopia" is a combination of two terms: "neurasthenic" and "asthenopia".
1. Neurasthenic:
The term "neurasthenic" originates from the Greek words "neuron" (nerve) and "astheneia" (weakness). It was first used by an American physician named George Miller Beard in the late 1800s to describe a condition characterized by general fatigue, weakness, and nervous exhaustion. Neurasthenia was thought to be caused by a depletion of nerve energy.
2. Asthenopia:
The term "asthenopia" also has its roots in Greek, with "asthenēs" meaning weak and "ops" meaning vision. Asthenopia refers to eye strain or visual discomfort that arises from activities such as reading, computer use, or extended periods of close work.