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 goes away once you rest your eyes or take other steps to reduce your eye discomfort. In some cases, signs and symptoms of eyestrain can indicate an underlying eye condition that needs treatment.

Symptoms of eyestrain

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

Causes of 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 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 background

In 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