Eye strain—also called asthenopia—is one of the most common modern eye complaints. From scrolling on your phone to working hours in front of a computer, our eyes are constantly under stress. If left unmanaged, eye strain can affect not just your vision, but also your productivity, comfort, and overall health.

This article breaks down what eye strain feels like, its causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatments, prevention tips, and when you should see a healthcare provider.

What Does Eye Strain Feel Like?

Eye strain doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some, it’s just a dull ache, while for others it’s a burning, gritty sensation that makes focusing difficult.

Common symptoms include:

  • Tired or heavy eyes

  • Headaches

  • A dull ache around or behind the eyes

  • Burning sensation in the eyes

  • Blurred or double vision

  • Dry or itchy eyes

  • Watery (tearing) eyes

  • Sensitivity to light

  • The feeling of grit, dust, or an eyelash in the eye

  • Neck or shoulder discomfort (from poor posture or squinting)

These symptoms may appear during screen time, reading, or driving—and often intensify once you finally take a break.

What Causes Eye Strain?

Eye strain occurs when the eye muscles tire out from overuse or prolonged focusing. Tasks that require sustained visual attention—such as computer work, gaming, reading, or driving—are the main culprits.

Key contributing factors:

  • Prolonged near work (reading, sewing, knitting, writing)

  • Digital screen glare or overly bright lighting

  • Poor posture or ergonomics at your desk

  • Incorrect eyeglass/contact prescription

  • Dry eye syndrome

  • Blinking less while on screens

  • Fans or vents blowing directly at your eyes

Essentially, anything that forces your eyes to focus intensely for long stretches without rest can lead to strain.

Risk Factors That Make Eye Strain Worse

Anyone can get eye strain, but certain habits and conditions increase the risk:

  • Spending 2+ hours per day on screens

  • Refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism)

  • Wearing contact lenses

  • Having dry eye syndrome

  • Poor lighting conditions at work or home

Children and teenagers are especially vulnerable now, given the increase in screen time for both school and entertainment.

How Is Eye Strain Diagnosed?

Eye strain itself is a symptom, not a disease. Most cases improve quickly after resting your eyes. However, if it persists, it may be linked to conditions like dry eye, uncorrected vision problems, or astigmatism.

Eye care specialists may recommend:

  • Visual acuity test – measures sharpness of vision

  • Refraction test – determines prescription lenses if needed

  • Slit-lamp exam – checks for cataracts, corneal damage, or glaucoma

  • Tear film testing – identifies dry eye issues

These tests help rule out serious conditions and ensure your vision is properly corrected.

Treatments for Eye Strain

Most people find relief with simple lifestyle changes. However, if symptoms persist, treatment may involve eye drops, corrective lenses, or specialized care.

Artificial Tears (Eye Drops)

  • Lubricating drops keep eyes moist and relieve dryness.

  • Available over the counter at pharmacies.

  • Especially useful for people with mild dry eye syndrome.

Corrective Lenses

If refractive errors contribute to strain, prescription glasses or contacts can make a big difference. Options include:

  • Computer glasses designed for mid-distance focus

  • Single-vision or multifocal lenses for nearsightedness or farsightedness

  • Anti-reflective coatings to reduce glare from lights and screens

How To Prevent Eye Strain

Since most eye strain comes from habits and environment, prevention is often simple.

  • Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

  • Adjust screen settings: Position screens slightly below eye level, reduce glare, and clean regularly.

  • Improve lighting: Avoid overly dim or overly bright workspaces.

  • Remember to blink: Screen users often blink only half as often, causing dryness.

  • Use blue light filters: While evidence is mixed, filters and glasses may reduce discomfort.

  • Take breaks: Every 2 hours, give your eyes at least 15 minutes of rest.

  • Maintain good posture: Proper desk ergonomics prevent both eye and neck strain.

Complications of Long-Term Eye Strain

Untreated, eye strain can trigger or worsen:

  • Frequent tension headaches

  • Chronic dry eyes

  • Blurry or double vision

  • Neck and shoulder pain

While it rarely leads to permanent damage, the constant discomfort can affect quality of life and productivity.

Next Steps

If your eye strain continues despite making changes, book an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. You may need a new glasses prescription, treatment for dry eyes, or simply professional guidance on screen habits.

A Quick Review

  • Eye strain (asthenopia) results from prolonged visual focus—especially screen time.

  • Symptoms include tired, dry, burning, or watery eyes, headaches, and blurred vision.

  • Prevention is often simple: take breaks, adjust screens, and improve lighting.

  • If symptoms persist, see an eye care specialist to rule out underlying issues.