# Eye strain

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> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Eye_strain.md
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{{Short description|Discomfort following extended visual tasks}}
{{more citations needed|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name = Eye strain
| synonym = Asthenopia, aesthenopia, eyestrain
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| specialty = <!--from Wikidata; can be overwritten-->
| field = [Ophthalmology](/source/Ophthalmology)
| symptoms = Headache, blurred vision, eye discomfort, and light sensitivity
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<!-- Definition and symptoms -->
'''Eye strain''', also medically termed as '''asthenopia''' ({{ety||{{linktext|astheno-}}|loss of strength||{{linktext|-opia}}|relating to the eyes}}), is a common [eye](/source/eye) condition characterized by [non-specific symptom](/source/nonspecific_symptom)s such as [fatigue](/source/fatigue), pain in or around the eyes, [blurred vision](/source/blurred_vision), [headache](/source/headache), and occasional [double vision](/source/diplopia).<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=Sheedy |first1=James E. |last2=Hayes |first2=John N. |last3=Engle |first3=Jon |date=November 2003 |title=Is all asthenopia the same? |journal=Optometry and Vision Science |volume=80 |issue=11 |pages=732–739 |doi=10.1097/00006324-200311000-00008 |issn=1040-5488 |pmid=14627938 |s2cid=16299425}}</ref>

These symptoms tend to arise after long-term use of [computer](/source/computer)s, staring at phone screens, digital devices, reading, or other activities that involve extended visual tasks.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=FT |first1=Vaz |last2=SP |first2=Henriques |last3=DS |first3=Silva |last4=J |first4=Roque |last5=AS |first5=Lopes |last6=M |first6=Mota |date=April 2019 |title=Digital Asthenopia: Portuguese Group of Ergophthalmology Survey |journal=[Acta Med Port](/source/Acta_Med_Port) |volume=32 |issue=4 |pages=260–265 |doi=10.20344/amp.10942  |doi-access=free|hdl=10400.10/2236 |pmid=31067419 |s2cid=148571110 |hdl-access=free}}</ref> Various causes contribute to eye strain, including uncorrected vision problems,<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":33">{{Citation |title=Chapter 7 - History taking |date=2013-01-01 |work=The Ophthalmic Assistant (Ninth Edition) |pages=99–110 |editor-last=Stein |editor-first=Harold A |editor2-last=Stein |editor2-first=Raymond M |editor3-last=Freeman |editor3-first=Melvin I |url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/B9781455710690000074 |access-date=2025-04-14 |place=London |publisher=W.B. Saunders |doi=10.1016/b978-1-4557-1069-0.00007-4 |isbn=978-1-4557-1069-0 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name=":53">{{Cite journal |last1=García-Muñoz |first1=Ángel |last2=Carbonell-Bonete |first2=Stela |last3=Cacho-Martínez |first3=Pilar |date=2014-10-01 |title=Symptomatology associated with accommodative and binocular vision anomalies |journal=Journal of Optometry |volume=7 |issue=4 |pages=178–192 |doi=10.1016/j.optom.2014.06.005 |issn=1888-4296 |pmc=4213865 |pmid=25323640}}</ref> digital device usage,<ref name=":23">{{Cite journal |last1=Antona |first1=Beatriz |last2=Barrio |first2=Ana Rosa |last3=Gascó |first3=Adriana |last4=Pinar |first4=Ana |last5=González-Pérez |first5=Mariano |last6=Puell |first6=María C. |date=2018-04-01 |title=Symptoms associated with reading from a smartphone in conditions of light and dark |url=https://eprints.ucm.es/45533/1/Antona_Symptons%20smartphone-ApllErgo-Elsevier-2018-proof.pdf |journal=Applied Ergonomics |volume=68 |pages=12–17 |doi=10.1016/j.apergo.2017.10.014 |issn=0003-6870 |pmid=29409625}}</ref><ref name=":63">{{Cite journal |last=Shukla |first=Yogesh |date=August 2020 |title=Accommodative anomalies in children |journal=Indian Journal of Ophthalmology |volume=68 |issue=8 |pages=1520–1525 |doi=10.4103/ijo.IJO_1973_18 |issn=1998-3689 |pmc=7640847 |pmid=32709767 |doi-access=free}}</ref> environmental factors,<ref name=":0" /> and underlying health conditions.<ref name=":33" /> When concentrating on a visually intense task, such as continuously focusing on a book or computer monitor, the [ciliary muscles](/source/ciliary_muscles) and the extra-ocular muscles are [strained](/source/Strain_(injury)), also contributing to the symptoms.<ref name=":1">{{cite journal |last1=S |first1=Lertwisuttipaiboon |last2=T |first2=Pumpaibool |last3=KJ |first3=Neeser |last4=N |first4=Kasetsuwan |date=May 2017 |title=Effectiveness of a participatory eye care program in reducing eye strain among staff computer users in Thailand |journal=Risk Manag Healthc Policy |volume=10 |pages=71–80 |doi=10.2147/RMHP.S134940 |pmc=5436759 |pmid=28546777 |doi-access=free}}</ref> These symptoms are broadly classified into external (related to the ocular surface) and internal symptom factors (related to eye muscles).<ref name=":0" />

Eye strain is highly prevalent among individuals engaged in prolonged near-vision tasks such as reading, writing, or digital work, with studies reporting that 50% to 90% of people experience related symptoms.<ref name=":02">{{Cite journal |last=Sengul |first=Halil |date=2025-04-25 |title=Investigation of asthenopia prevalence and related factors in university students with ordered logistic regression |journal=Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care |volume=14 |issue=4 |pages=1395–1402 |doi=10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1516_24 |issn=2249-4863 |pmc=12088530 |pmid=40396066 |doi-access=free}}</ref> Severe eye strain is linked to greater difficulty performing visual tasks and reduced efficiency in work or daily life.

A systematic review estimated that 69% of individuals experience eye strain symptoms across populations engaged in prolonged near-vision activities.<ref name=":12">{{Cite journal |last1=Ccami-Bernal |first1=Fabricio |last2=Soriano-Moreno |first2=David R. |last3=Romero-Robles |first3=Milton A. |last4=Barriga-Chambi |first4=Fernanda |last5=Tuco |first5=Kimberly G. |last6=Castro-Diaz |first6=Sharong D. |last7=Nuñez-Lupaca |first7=Janeth N. |last8=Pacheco-Mendoza |first8=Josmel |last9=Galvez-Olortegui |first9=Tomas |last10=Benites-Zapata |first10=Vicente A. |date=2024-01-01 |title=Prevalence of computer vision syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis |journal=Journal of Optometry |volume=17 |issue=1 |doi=10.1016/j.optom.2023.100482 |issn=1888-4296 |pmc=10785422 |pmid=37866176 |article-number=100482}}</ref> Certain populations were identified as being at higher risk, including university students (76.1%), contact lens wearers (73.1%) and females (71.4%).<ref name=":12" /> Both behavioral and biological factors contribute to the development of eye strain.

Treatment involves environmental modifications, visual aids,<ref name=":1" /> and taking periodic breaks.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":7" /> The experience of eye strain when reading in dim light has given rise to the [common misconception](/source/List_of_common_misconceptions) that such an activity causes permanent eye damage.<ref>Rachel C. Vreeman, Aaron E. Carroll, "Medical Myths", ''[The British Medical Journal](/source/The_British_Medical_Journal)'' (now called ''The BMJ'') '''335''':1288 (December 20, 2007), {{doi|10.1136/bmj.39420.420370.25}}</ref>

== Symptoms and signs ==
Eye strain's symptoms can be broken into two groups: Internal Symptom Factors (ISF) and External Symptom Factors (ESF).<ref name=":0" /> ESFs consist of symptoms related to dry-eye such as burning and irritation, seemingly linked to the ocular surface.<ref name=":0" /> ISFs are related to pain and ache sensations behind the eye and are linked to accommodative and vergence stress, caused by poor visual conditions.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite journal |last=Sheedy |first=J. E. |date=2007-06-15 |title=The physiology of eyestrain |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09500340600855460 |journal=Journal of Modern Optics |volume=54 |issue=9 |pages=1333–1341 |bibcode=2007JMOp...54.1333S |doi=10.1080/09500340600855460 |issn=0950-0340 |url-access=subscription}}</ref>

Symptoms of eye strain can include:<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":23" /><ref name=":63" /><ref name=":4" />
* [blurred vision](/source/blurred_vision)
* headache
* sore, irritated, burning, or [itch](/source/itch)ing eyes
* [dry eyes](/source/dry_eyes) or watery eyes
* eye discomfort
* difficulty concentrating
* sensitivity to bright lights

Symptoms can be grouped by affected area or underlying mechanism(s):<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last1=Pucker |first1=Andrew D. |last2=Kerr |first2=Aaron M. |last3=Sanderson |first3=Jennifer |last4=Lievens |first4=Chris |date=2024 |title=Digital Eye Strain: Updated Perspectives |journal=Clinical Optometry |volume=16 |pages=233–246 |doi=10.2147/OPTO.S412382 |issn=1179-2752 |pmc=11416787 |pmid=39308959 |doi-access=free}}</ref>
* ocular surface (dryness, irritation, redness)
* accommodative (difficulty focusing on near objects)
* vergence (misalignment when turning eyes inward or outward)
* [extra-ocular](/source/Extraocular_muscles) (muscle discomfort around the eyes, neck, and shoulders)

The recognition of these categories helps describe eye strain presentations and guide potential interventions.

== Causes ==
Asthenopia can result from various factors. These causes can be categorized as ocular issues,<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":53" /> digital use patterns,<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":63" /> environmental factors,<ref name=":0" /> or underlying health conditions,<ref name=":33" /> including:<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":53" />
* Uncorrected [refractive error](/source/refractive_error)s ([astigmatism](/source/astigmatism), [hyperopia](/source/hyperopia), [anisometropia](/source/anisometropia), etc.)<ref name=":63" />
* Eye movement coordination
* [Accommodative](/source/Accommodation_(vertebrate_eye))<ref name=":63" /> and [vergence](/source/vergence) stress
* [Glare](/source/Glare_(vision))
* Flickering lights
* [Allergy](/source/Allergy)<ref name=":33" />
* Close viewing distance
* [Dry-eye](/source/Dry_eye_syndrome)
* [Fatigue](/source/Fatigue)<ref name=":33" />
* Upward gaze
* Prolonged reading from smartphone<ref name=":23" />

==Diagnosis==
{{Empty section|date=October 2025}}

==Therapy==
Given that asthenopia is caused by different factors, treatment may involve the work environment or visual conditions.<ref name=":0" /> One known method of relieving strain of the [ocular muscles](/source/ocular_muscles) is taking periodic breaks by closing the eyes<ref name=":1" /> and blinking frequently.<ref name=":7">{{Cite journal |last1=Kaur |first1=Kirandeep |last2=Gurnani |first2=Bharat |last3=Nayak |first3=Swatishree |last4=Deori |first4=Nilutparna |last5=Kaur |first5=Savleen |last6=Jethani |first6=Jitendra |last7=Singh |first7=Digvijay |last8=Agarkar |first8=Sumita |last9=Hussaindeen |first9=Jameel Rizwana |last10=Sukhija |first10=Jaspreet |last11=Mishra |first11=Deepak |date=2022-10-01 |title=Digital Eye Strain- A Comprehensive Review |journal=Ophthalmology and Therapy |language=en |volume=11 |issue=5 |pages=1655–1680 |doi=10.1007/s40123-022-00540-9 |issn=2193-6528 |pmc=9434525 |pmid=35809192}}</ref> Often found in connection to [Digital Eye Strain](/source/Computer_vision_syndrome) (DES), eye strain can be reduced by following the 20–20–20 rule, which consists of looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.<ref name=":7" />

Structured break schedules are supported by research as an effective strategy to prevent or reduce eye strain. Planned break regimens have been shown to reduce eye discomfort, decrease headaches, and improve ocular accommodation.<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal |last1=Kahal |first1=Fares |last2=Al Darra |first2=Ahmad |last3=Torbey |first3=André |date=2025-03-08 |title=Computer vision syndrome: a comprehensive literature review |journal=Future Science OA |volume=11 |issue=1 |doi=10.1080/20565623.2025.2476923 |issn=2056-5623 |pmc=11901492 |pmid=40055942 |article-number=2476923}}</ref> Short, frequent breaks have been found to reduce visual fatigue more effectively than longer, less frequent ones. This makes scheduled breaks a useful strategy to mitigate eye strain.

In addition to break regimens, environmental adjustments and [ergonomics](/source/ergonomics) can help reduce eye strain. Adjusting screen brightness and contrast, optimizing ambient lighting, and changing the color of text further improves comfort during prolonged tasks.<ref name=":42">{{Cite journal |last1=Fan |first1=Qiangqiang |last2=Xie |first2=Jinhan |last3=Dong |first3=Zhaoyang |last4=Wang |first4=Yang |date=2024-05-30 |title=The Effect of Ambient Illumination and Text Color on Visual Fatigue under Negative Polarity |journal=Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) |volume=24 |issue=11 |page=3516 |bibcode=2024Senso..24.3516F |doi=10.3390/s24113516 |issn=1424-8220 |pmc=11175232 |pmid=38894307 |doi-access=free}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [Eye examination](/source/Eye_examination)
* [Light-on-dark color scheme](/source/Dark_mode)
* [Ocular neurosis](/source/Ocular_neurosis)
* [Photophobia](/source/Photophobia)
* [Vision therapy](/source/Vision_therapy)
* [Visual looming syndrome](/source/Visual_looming_syndrome)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Medical resources
|   ICD10       ={{ICD10|H|53|1}}
|   ICD9        = {{ICD9|368.13}}
|   MeSH=D001248
}}
{{Eye pathology}}
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{{Authority control}}

Category:Visual disturbances and blindness
Category:Dislocations, sprains and strains
Category:Eye injury

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Eye strain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eye_strain) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eye_strain?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.