Eye strain

Eye 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]