Eyestrain signs and symptoms include:
- Sore, tired, burning or itching eyes
- Watery or dry eyes
- Blurred or double vision
- Headache
- Sore neck, shoulders or back
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling that you cannot keep your eyes open
When to see a doctor?
See your doctor if self-care steps don`t relieve your eyestrain.
Common causes of eyestrain include:
- Looking at digital device screens
- Reading without pausing to rest your eyes
- Driving long distances and doing other activities involving extended focus
- Being exposed to bright light or glare
- Straining to see in very dim light
- Having an underlying eye problem, such as dry eyes or uncorrected vision (refractive error)
- Being stressed or fatigued
- Exposure to dry moving air from a fan, heating or air-conditioning system
Computer Use
Extended use of computers and other digital devices is one of the most common causes of eyestrain. The American Optometric Association calls this computer vision syndrome, or digital eyestrain. People who look at screens two or more hours in a row every day are at greatest risk of this condition. Computer use strains eyes more than reading print material because people tend to:
- Blink less while using computers (blinking is key to moistening the eyes)
- View digital screens at less-than-ideal distances or angles
- Use devices that have glare or reflection
- Use devices with poor contrast between the text and the backgroundIn some cases, an underlying eye problem, such as eye muscle imbalance or uncorrected vision, can cause or worsen computer eyestrain.
Some other factors that can make the condition worse include:
- Glare on your screen
- Poor posture
- Setup of your computer work station
- Circulating air, such as from air conditioning or a nearby fan
Eyestrain doesn`t have serious or long-term consequences, but it can be aggravating and unpleasant. It can make you tired and reduce your ability to concentrate.
