Eyestrain

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KEY POINTS

• Eyestrain is a term used to describe painful or tired eyes. Eyestrain is a common problem for people who do a lot of reading or computer work.
• If your eyestrain is caused by a vision problem, your provider may prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses. If doing one task for a long time is causing your eyestrain, it may help to take short breaks to let your eyes rest.
• If eyestrain is caused by dry eyes, try to blink more often, take frequent breaks, and use artificial tears.

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What is eyestrain?

Eyestrain is a term used to describe painful or tired eyes. Eyestrain is a common problem for people who do a lot of reading or computer work.

What is the cause?

Common causes of eyestrain include:

• You have a vision problem, for example, you see distant objects clearly, but close objects are blurry, or your eyes do not line up properly making it hard for your eyes to work together.
• You do one task for a long time without a break, such as reading, computer work, or driving for a long time. The muscles that move and focus your eyes get tired of staying in one place.
• Your workstation is not set up correctly. Common problems include a computer screen that is in the wrong position, poor lighting or glare off the computer screen.
• You have dry or irritated eyes from not blinking often enough.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may include:

• Tired or painful eyes
• Blurry vision
• An urge to squint or close your eyes
• Watery eyes

If you need reading glasses and read for a long time without glasses or with glasses that are too weak, you may develop a headache around your eyes or at the back of your neck. Also, you may have a headache from reading or doing close work if your eye muscles are too weak to align your eyes for close vision. However, eye pain and headaches are not always caused by eyestrain. Some diseases of the eye can cause a headache along with eye pain. Very high eye pressure or inflammation in your eye can cause headaches with eye pain.

How is it diagnosed?

Your eye care provider will ask about your symptoms and activities, examine your eyes, and test your vision. Your provider may also check the health of your eyes to make sure that the symptoms are not caused by a more serious medical condition.

How is it treated?

If your eyestrain is caused by a vision problem, your provider may prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses.

If doing one task for a long time is causing your eyestrain, it may help to take short breaks to let your eyes rest. At least every 20 minutes look at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

If eyestrain is caused by dry eyes, try to blink more often, take frequent breaks, and use artificial tears.

If your eyestrain is caused by your computer workstation, try adjusting your work area:

• First, put your monitor 22 to 28 inches from your eyes. Make sure the top of the screen is no higher than eye-level.
• If you need to look back and forth between your paper and your computer screen, use a paper holder that holds your paper next to the computer screen at the same height and distance as your computer monitor.
• Try to keep the room lighting at about the same brightness as the computer screen. Avoid having a bright window in front of you or behind you. This helps cut glare and reflections.

How can I take care of myself?

The best way to take care of your eyes is to have an eye exam every year. It is not normal for your eyes to hurt after a long day. If you have symptoms of eyestrain, see your eye care provider. Don't wait until your yearly eye exam.