Persistent eye strain may signal vision problems or dry eye, requiring an exam from an eye care specialist.
Eye strain, medically known as asthenopia, occurs when your eyes become tired, achy, or dry from intense or prolonged use. You might experience eye strain after reading, driving, or working on a computer for extended periods.
Eye strain symptoms can vary from person to person. These symptoms can develop during or after activities that require visual focus. You might notice these symptoms while you're engaged in the activity or only notice them once you take a break.
Common symptoms include:
Eye strain occurs when the muscles around your eyes become tired from prolonged use, especially during tasks that require intense visual focus, such as watching TV, playing video games, driving long distances, or working on a computer.
Near work is also a common cause of eye strain. Near work is any activity involving focusing on objects close to you, like reading, writing, using a smartphone, or doing detailed crafts like knitting or sewing. These activities require continued focus on nearby objects, which can strain the eye muscles over time, especially for extended periods without breaks.
Factors that can contribute to eye strain include:
Anyone can develop eye strain, including children and adults, but certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing it, like if you:
Eye strain is a symptom, not a formal diagnosis. Most cases of eye strain improve quickly after resting the eyes, and medical attention isn't usually necessary if the discomfort goes away within a few minutes of taking a break.
However, frequent or ongoing eye strain symptoms may be a sign of an underlying issue, such as dry eye syndrome or vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism.
An eye care specialist, such as an ophthalmologist or optometrist, can review your medical history and perform a comprehensive eye examination to determine what's causing your symptoms. A comprehensive eye exam involves:
Most cases of eye strain improve once you take a break from the activity causing the strain. Resting your eyes, adjusting your digital screen settings, or improving your posture can often relieve symptoms without medical intervention. However, additional treatments may be necessary to address the underlying cause if symptoms persist or become chronic.
Lubricating eye drops can help maintain moisture on the surface of your eyes and relieve some eye strain symptoms. Artificial tears are available over the counter at most pharmacies, drugstores, online retailers, or large retail stores.
Artificial tears may provide relief for people with mild or occasional dry eye symptoms. Always follow the packaging instructions or consult an eye care specialist for guidance on how often to use them.
If an uncorrected vision problem like nearsightedness or astigmatism contributes to your eye strain, prescription glasses or contact lenses may be necessary. Your eye doctor might recommend:
Simple adjustments to your habits and work environment can help prevent eye strain. These include:
Ongoing eye strain can worsen your discomfort and potentially contribute to other problems, including:
If you're experiencing persistent eye strain, making small adjustments to your habits and environment can provide quick relief. If you continue to experience eye strain even after making these adjustments, consult an eye care specialist. They can determine if your symptoms are related to eye strain or another eye-related condition.