Understanding Eye Strain & Fatigue
What Is Eye Strain?
Eye strain, or eye fatigue, occurs when your eyes become overworked due to prolonged focus on bright screens, close-up tasks, or extended periods of concentration. Just like any muscle in the body, the muscles surrounding the eyes can become fatigued from overuse, leading to discomfort and vision issues.
If you’ve taken breaks and still experience persistent eye strain, this could indicate an underlying vision problem that may require prescription glasses or treatment from an optometrist. Seeking professional advice is always recommended if symptoms continue.
Signs & Symptoms of Eye Strain
The most common symptoms of eye strain include:
Tired, sore, or burning eyes
Dry or watery eyes
Blurred or double vision
Increased sensitivity to light
Difficulty focusing on tasks
Struggling to keep your eyes open
Surprisingly, eye strain doesn’t just affect the eyes! Other symptoms may include:
🔹 Headaches – A common indicator of digital eye strain, often referred to as an "eye strain headache."
🔹 Neck, shoulder, and back pain – Resulting from poor posture while using screens.
🔹 Dizziness, nausea, or lightheadedness – Occurs in some cases due to visual stress.
🔹 Eye twitches & heaviness – A sign of eye fatigue from prolonged screen time.
If these symptoms sound familiar, simple changes to your routine and environment may help provide relief.
What Causes Eye Strain?
Eye strain is typically caused by extended focus on a single task. The most common culprits include:
📱 Excessive screen time – Staring at digital devices (smartphones, tablets, computers, TVs, gaming consoles) for more than two hours without a break can trigger digital eye strain.
🚗 Driving long distances – Especially at night or in poor lighting conditions.
📖 Reading for extended periods – Particularly in dim lighting or with poor posture.
🔎 Focusing on close-up tasks – Such as sewing, writing, or detailed craftwork.
😟 Stress & emotional strain – Mental fatigue can contribute to visual discomfort.
⚡ Migraines – Often associated with sensitivity to light and visual strain.
How to Relieve Eye Strain
If you’re experiencing eye strain, here are some effective ways to reduce discomfort and protect your vision:
✔ Book an eye exam – An optometrist can determine if you need prescription glasses to reduce eye fatigue or identify any underlying issues.
✔ Practice eye exercises – Simple exercises can help relax and strengthen your eye muscles.
✔ Optimize your lighting – Use adequate lighting when reading or working on close-up tasks.
✔ Reduce screen glare – Adjust brightness settings, use an anti-glare screen, or wear blue light-filtering glasses.
✔ Position screens correctly – Keep screens at a comfortable distance and eye level. Increasing font size on digital devices can also help.
✔ Take regular breaks – Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
✔ Limit blue light exposure – Avoid using digital screens for extended periods, especially before bedtime.
✔ Rest your eyes – Close your eyes, take short breaks, or spend time outdoors to help your vision reset.
By making these small but effective changes, you can significantly reduce eye strain and keep your vision sharp and comfortable. If symptoms persist, consult an eye care specialist for further evaluation and treatment.