Eye strain is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. It can be uncomfortable, but it’s normally not a serious condition. Many people cope with eye strain in different ways by making minor changes in their routines, such as adjusting lighting at home or in the office, limiting the amount of time you spent on activities that require intense focus, or even trying special glasses.
In this Q&A, Christina Cherny, OD, an optometrist at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, New York’s top-ranked ophthalmology hospital, answers some frequently asked questions about eye strain, ways to cope, and how to know when you need to see a specialist. One suggestion: Don’t count on using blue-light blocking glasses, as research shows they don’t work.
What is eye strain and what are the symptoms?
Eye strain refers to a collection of symptoms that people may experience when their eyes are put in intense situations. These symptoms can include:
- Watery or dry eyes.
- Blurred vision or Increased sensitivity to light.
- Headaches or difficulty concentrating.
- Burning or itchy eyes.
- Having a hard time keeping your eyes open.
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What causes eye strain?
A major cause of eye strain is when vision is not fully corrected because of an over or under correction in your prescription glasses. If the vision correction problem goes unsolved it can result in eye strain, especially when you are focusing on something for a long period of time. If you have misaligned eyes—a condition called strabismus—or other eye disorder that’s not corrected, then your binocular system (how the eyes see together) can get overworked, possibly causing eye strain. Eye strain is also frequently caused if you spend too much time staring at your computer, smart phone, or other digital device. It can also be the result of excessive reading or driving for long periods of time.
How is eye strain diagnosed?
A diagnosis of eye strain is mostly based on symptoms and a description of your daily activities. Eye care professionals offer tests that can help diagnose eye strain including refraction assessment (for nearsightedness or farsightedness) and visual field test (for peripheral vision) which will determine whether you need prescriptive eye glasses or if your current prescription is correct. Getting a complete eye exam is essential for overall eye health. Your eye care professional will recommend how often you need to have your eyes checked.
Can blue-light blocking glasses help?
This is a common question. Many consumers mistakenly believe these glasses can help. Research has shown that blue-light blocking glasses do not work as advertised. The research investigated if blue-light blocking lenses can be effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of eye strain associated with computer use. The study showed there was no difference between wearing clear glasses and wearing blue-light blocking glasses.
What can I do to cope with or prevent eye strain?
There are many tips that your eye care professional can recommend.
- If you need a prescription for up-close viewing, make sure that you’re wearing the proper prescriptive lenses.
- Take breaks from writing, reading, and driving.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Take a 20-second break to view something 20 feet away from you every 20 minutes.
- Use lubricating eye drops, or screens that tilt/swivel, or a glare filter.
- Try adjusting your light based on your activity or an adjustable chair to change your viewing angle.
Eye care professionals often suggest using low-reading prescription glasses (available in drug stores) as a way of preventing eye strain If you have a more significant problem that might be contributing to eye strain, you may require vision therapy, which is a form of exercises for the eye.
How do I know when to see a specialist?
If you experience unresolved eye strain symptoms over an extended period of time— despite using the many coping tips or if you have any eye pain—it’s time to see an eye care professional. Getting a complete eye exam will help ensure that you are protecting one of your most important senses: vision.