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Discomfort following extended visual tasks
Medical condition
Eye strain Other names Asthenopia, aesthenopia, eyestrain Specialty Ophthalmology Symptoms Headache, blurred vision, eye discomfort, and light sensitivityEye strain, also medically termed as asthenopia (from astheno- 'loss of strength' and -opia 'relating to the eyes'), is a common eye condition characterized by non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, pain in or around the eyes, blurred vision, headache, and occasional double vision.[1]
These symptoms tend to arise after long-term use of computers, staring at phone screens, digital devices, reading, or other activities that involve extended visual tasks.[2] Various causes contribute to eye strain, including uncorrected vision problems,[1][3][4] digital device usage,[5][6] environmental factors,[1] and underlying health conditions.[3] When concentrating on a visually intense task, such as continuously focusing on a book or computer monitor, the ciliary muscles and the extraocular muscles are strained, also contributing to the symptoms.[7] These symptoms are broadly classified into external (related to the ocular surface) and internal symptom factors (related to eye muscles).[1]
Treatment involves environmental modifications, visual aids,[7] and taking periodic breaks.[7][8] The experience of eye strain when reading in dim light has given rise to the common misconception that such an activity causes permanent eye damage.[9]
Asthenopia can result from various factors. These causes can be categorized as ocular issues,[1][3][4] digital use patterns,[5][6] environmental factors,[1] or underlying health conditions,[3] including:[1][4]
Eye strain's symptoms can be broken into two groups: Internal Symptom Factors (ISF) and External Symptom Factors (ESF).[1] ESFs consist of symptoms related to dry-eye such as burning and irritation, seemingly linked to the ocular surface.[1] ISFs are related to pain and ache sensations behind the eye and are linked to accommodative and vergence stress, caused by poor visual conditions.[1][10]
Symptoms of eye strain can include:[1][5][6][10]
Given that asthenopia is caused by different factors, treatment may involve the work environment or visual conditions.[1] One known method of relieving strain of the ocular muscles is taking periodic breaks by closing the eyes[7] and blinking frequently.[8] Often found in connection to Digital Eye Strain (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.[8]
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