Eyestrain
Eyestrain is a common condition that occurs when your eyes get tired from intense use, such as while driving long distances or staring at computer screens and other digital devices.
Eyestrain can be annoying. But it usually isn’t serious, and it goes away once you rest your eyes or take other steps to reduce your eye discomfort. In some cases, symptoms of eyestrain can indicate an underlying eye condition that needs treatment.
Eyestrain 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, called photophobia
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling that you cannot keep your eyes open
When to see a doctor
See an eye specialist 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 focusing for a long time
- 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, called refractive error
- Being stressed or fatigued
- Being exposed to dry moving air from a fan, a heating system or an air-conditioning system
Computer and digital device 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. It’s also called digital eyestrain. People who look at screens two or more hours in a row every day have the greatest risk of this condition.
Computer use strains eyes more than reading print material because people tend to:
- Blink less while using computers, and 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 background
In some cases, an underlying eye problem, such as eye muscle imbalance or uncorrected vision, can cause or worsen computer vision syndrome.
Some other factors that can make the condition worse include:
- Glare on the screen
- Poor posture
- Setup of a computer workstation
- Circulating air, such as from air conditioning or a nearby fan
Many different things can cause germs to get into the bloodstream and lead to endocarditis. Having a faulty, diseased or damaged heart valve increases the risk of the condition. However, endocarditis may occur in those without heart valve problems.
Risk factors for endocarditis include:
- Older age. Endocarditis occurs most often in adults over age 60.
- Artificial heart valves. Germs are more likely to attach to an artificial (prosthetic) heart valve than to a regular heart valve.
- Damaged heart valves. Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatic fever or infection, can damage or scar one or more of the heart valves, increasing the risk of infection. A history of endocarditis also increases the risk of infection.
- Congenital heart defects. Being born with certain types of heart defects, such as an irregular heart or damaged heart valves, raises the risk of heart infections.
- Implanted heart device. Bacteria can attach to an implanted device, such as a pacemaker, causing an infection of the heart’s lining.
- Illegal intravenous (IV) drug use. Using dirty IV needles can lead to infections such as endocarditis. Contaminated needles and syringes are a special concern for people who use illegal IV drugs, such as heroin or cocaine.
- Poor dental health. A healthy mouth and healthy gums are essential for good health. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, bacteria can grow inside your mouth and may enter your bloodstream through a cut on your gums. Some dental procedures that can cut the gums also may allow bacteria to get in the bloodstream.
- Long-term catheter use. A catheter is a thin tube that’s used to do some medical procedures. Having a catheter in place for a long period of time (indwelling catheter) increases the risk of endocarditis.
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.
Your eye specialist will ask you questions about factors that might be causing your symptoms. You may have an eye exam during your visit, including a vision test.
Generally, treatment for eyestrain consists of making changes in your daily habits or environment. Some people may need treatment for an underlying eye condition.
For some people, wearing glasses that are prescribed for specific activities, such as for computer use or for reading, helps reduce eyestrain. Your eye specialist may suggest that you take regular eye breaks to help your eyes focus at different distances.
References
- AskMayoExpert. Dry eye disease (adult). Mayo Clinic; 2021.
- Computer vision syndrome. American Optometric Association. https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/computer-vision-syndrome?sso=y. Accessed Aug. 24, 2022.
- Computers and your sight. Prevent Blindness. https://preventblindness.org/computers-and-your-sight/. Accessed Aug. 24, 2022.
- Demirayak B, et al. Digital eye strain and its associated factors in children during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology. 2022; doi:10.4103/ijo.IJO_1920_21.
- Le Z, et al. Anti-fatigue glasses based on microprisms for preventing eyestrain. Sensors. 2022; doi:10.3390/s22051933.
- Medical review (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Aug. 26, 2022.
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