What Is Eye Strain?
Eye strain, also known as asthenopia or digital eye strain, is a common condition caused by prolonged or intense use of the eyes. It typically occurs during activities such as reading, screen use, detailed work, or exposure to bright or dim lighting.
While not classified as a disease, eye strain is a growing concern—especially among people who spend several hours a day in front of digital screens. As remote work, digital devices, and close-up tasks become more common, so does the discomfort and fatigue linked to strained vision.
Common Eye Strain Symptoms
The signs of eye strain often develop gradually and worsen the longer your eyes are in use without breaks. Some of the most common eye strain symptoms include:
- Dry or watery eyes
- Blurred or double vision
- Eye soreness or discomfort
- Headaches around the eyes or temples
- Sensitivity to light
- Neck, shoulder, or back pain due to poor posture
- Trouble focusing or maintaining visual attention
These symptoms may go away after rest, but repeated strain can negatively affect your comfort, focus, and productivity.
What Causes Eye Strain?
Understanding what causes eye strain helps you avoid or reduce it. Major contributors include:
- Excessive screen time on computers, phones, or tablets
- Poor lighting conditions, such as glare or dim ambient light
- Incorrect screen brightness or contrast
- Improper monitor positioning or reading distance
- Lack of breaks during visual tasks
- Uncorrected vision problems or outdated prescription eyeglasses
Digital screens are a major source of strain, especially when people blink less or forget to take breaks.
How to Reduce Eye Strain: 5 Practical Tips
You can prevent or minimize eye strain by adjusting your daily habits and using the right tools. Here are five proven ways to protect your eyes:
1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
This simple method helps relax your eye muscles. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. It gives your eyes a break from close-up focus and prevents fatigue.
2. Adjust Lighting and Screen Settings
Work in a well-lit area with balanced lighting to reduce glare. Position your screen to avoid reflections, and adjust screen brightness and contrast to comfortable levels. Anti-glare filters can also help.
3. Check Your Screen Position
Keep your monitor at eye level and about an arm’s length (20–24 inches) away. This reduces strain on your eyes and neck, especially during long periods of work.
4. Keep Your Eyes Hydrated
Use artificial tears or a room humidifier to combat dryness. Blinking more frequently and staying hydrated can also reduce discomfort.
5. Wear Correct Prescription Eyeglasses
One of the most overlooked solutions to eye strain is wearing the right prescription. If your current glasses are outdated or if you’re squinting to see clearly, it puts extra strain on your eyes.
For those working in environments that require both vision correction and safety compliance, prescription eyeglasses are essential. These glasses provide ANSI-rated protection along with custom lenses for optimal clarity—making them ideal for both screen-heavy jobs and industrial settings.
When to See an Eye Doctor
If you’ve tried these tips and still experience persistent eye strain, consult an optometrist. You may need a new prescription, blue light lenses, or treatment for an underlying issue like dry eye or astigmatism. Early intervention can help prevent more serious problems.
Takeaways on Eye Strain
Eye strain is a modern challenge that affects millions of people, but it’s highly manageable. By taking regular breaks, adjusting your workspace, and wearing the correct prescription glasses, you can greatly reduce eye fatigue and protect your vision long-term.
If you require corrective lenses, don’t settle for outdated or uncomfortable eyewear. Even when it comes to the workplace, combining vision correction with safety features for various work environments can be effective..
Protect your eyes now to maintain healthy vision for the future.