Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFrequent SymptomsRare SymptomsComplicationsWhen to See a Doctor
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Frequent Symptoms
Rare Symptoms
Complications
When to See a Doctor
Eye strain also can occur if you have trouble seeing something due to a vision problem and your eyes are working extra hard to see clearly. The things you want to see may appear blurry as your eyes strain and work harder.
As people spend more time on electronic devices, eye strain has increased. Eye strain associated with electronic devices is called computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain. You may also hear eye strain referred to as eye fatigue, asthenopia, or tired eyes.
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Here are some of the most frequent symptoms of eye strain:
The symptoms associated with eye strain also can indicate other health problems. Eye strain on its own is not serious, but here are some eye-related symptoms that may indicate a more serious problem beyond eye strain:
Headache Behind Eyes
Eye strain is sometimes irritating enough that you have problems focusing on your work and you feel more fatigued in general.
Most of the time, you don’t need to see an eye doctor for eye strain. However, some signs indicate that an eye exam may help to alleviate your symptoms.
A Word From Verywell
Although eye strain is not usually serious, it can be annoying enough to prompt some changes to your workspace to try and alleviate it, such as blinking more often, looking away occasionally from your work, adjusting your work space, and using over-the-counter artificial tears.
If you make these types of changes and still experience eye strain, consider contacting an eye doctor for an exam.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Cleveland Clinic.Eye strain.
American Optometric Association.Computer vision syndrome.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is dry eye?
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Computers, digital devices, and eye strain.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.The tearing patient: diagnosis and management.
Cleveland Clinic.Itchy, red eyes? How to tell if it’s allergies or an infection.
Stanford Health Care.Eye strain symptoms.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Eye strain: how to prevent tired eyes.
American Migraine Foundation.Do I need to have my eyes checked if my head hurts?
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