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Symptoms of Eye Strain

Eye Strain Symptoms and Treatment

If you are among the millions of Americans who spend a large majority of their day staring at a screen, chances are your eyes have experienced strain. While the condition isn’t dangerous and symptoms typically subside on their own, it can get in the way of day-to-day work and family obligations. So what exactly is eye strain, and how do you know if you’ve got it? Our team at Vision Source Castle Hills in San Antonio explains below.

What Is Eye Strain?

This temporary condition refers to a group of symptoms that may occur when your eyes become tired after long periods of intense use. Whether that means driving long distances, reading fine print, or staring at a digital screen for hours on end, any time you use your eyes for extended periods, you risk developing symptoms of strain. It is essential to practice proper eye care to avoid developing further damage as a result of repeatedly straining your eyes.

Common Symptoms

The vast majority of people suffering from ocular strain report a general feeling of tiredness in their eyes. However, some individuals find the effects of ocular strain also cause discomfort of the head, neck, shoulders, and upper back. The most common symptoms reported by sufferers include:


  • Eye Soreness
  • Blurry or doubled sight
  • Dry or itchy eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Light sensitivity
  • Headache
  • Difficulty keeping your eyes open
  • Burning eyes


If you regularly experience the above-listed issues, it is important to speak with your eye doctor to discuss possible methods of mitigating your symptoms. If, however, you suffer from persistent eye pain, irritation, redness, or loss of sight, you should visit your eye doctor for an examination. If your symptoms are not relieved by resting your eyes, you may be in need of vision correction. During your exam, your doctor will determine if you require glasses or contacts and make the appropriate prescription. With the appropriate prescription, you may find that many of your symptoms become less noticeable.

How Do Eye Doctors Treat Symptoms of Eye Strain?

Symptoms of eye strain typically resolve on their own with adequate rest. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest long-term consequences of repeated strain, but symptoms can certainly be bothersome and distracting. To lessen eye irritation, optometrists recommend trying the following tips:


  • Take a break from all visual tasks
  • Close your eyes for several minutes
  • Increase light levels in the room in which you work
  • Adjust screen brightness and contrast
  • Consciously blink your eyes more frequently
  • Increase text size on digital screens
  • Interrupt intense screen focus every 15-20 minutes


Schedule Your Eye Care Appointment Today

At Vision Source Castle Hills, we are dedicated to providing outstanding care so you can perform your best. If you routinely suffer from ocular strain and think you may require glasses or contacts, our team of knowledgeable optometrists is here to serve you. Give us a call at 210-988-9517 to schedule your appointment today! We serve San Antonio and the surrounding areas.