Working at a computer from morning until evening, checking your smartphone during breaks, and spending several more hours looking at a screen before bed have become everyday habits for many people.
Without realising it, these behaviours require the eyes to maintain near focus for extended periods. Excessive screen use may lead to tired eyes, eye discomfort, dry eyes, blurred vision or headaches. These symptoms may be associated with Digital Eye Strain, also known as Computer Vision Syndrome.
Eye strain does not necessarily indicate a serious eye condition. However, it is a signal that should not be ignored—particularly when the symptoms occur frequently, interfere with work or persist even after resting your eyes.
Let us explore what causes eye strain, its common symptoms and how to care for your eyes, so you can use digital screens more comfortably throughout the day.
What Is Eye Strain?
Eye strain, or asthenopia, refers to eye discomfort that may develop after concentrating on a visually demanding activity for an extended period, such as:
- Working at a computer
- Using a smartphone or tablet
- Reading books or documents continuously
- Driving for long periods
- Performing detailed, visually intensive tasks
Today, prolonged digital screen use is one of the most common factors associated with eye strain. The terms Digital Eye Strain and Computer Vision Syndrome are therefore used to describe a group of symptoms related to extended use of computers, smartphones and other digital devices.
However, screens are not the only possible cause. An uncorrected or unsuitable vision prescription, dry eyes, room lighting, screen position and visual habits can all contribute to eye discomfort.
Why Can Prolonged Screen Time Cause Eye Strain?
When looking at a screen, the eyes must maintain continuous focus at a near distance—particularly when working for long periods without shifting focus.
We may also blink less frequently while concentrating on a screen. This allows tears to evaporate more quickly, increasing the likelihood of dry, irritated or uncomfortable eyes.
Other factors can make the eyes work harder, including:
- A screen that is too bright or too dim
- Text that is too small
- Glare or reflections on the screen
- An unsuitable viewing distance
- An uncorrected or inappropriate vision prescription
Therefore, if your eyes hurt after spending a long time at the computer, the number of hours may not be the only factor. Your environment, visual habits and individual vision needs should all be considered together.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Eye Strain?
Symptoms can vary from person to person. Common signs include:
1. Aching Eyes or Heaviness Around the Eyes
After prolonged visual concentration, you may experience aching, heaviness or tightness around the eyes and eye sockets. These symptoms may become more noticeable in the afternoon or after several hours of screen work.
Some people may also feel the need to squint or furrow their brows to see more clearly.
2. Dry, Burning or Irritated Eyes
Dry eyes are commonly associated with prolonged screen use. Possible symptoms include:
- Dryness
- Burning or stinging
- Irritation
- A gritty sensation or the feeling that something is in the eye
- Occasional watery eyes
Although it may seem contradictory, dry eyes can sometimes trigger the production of excess reflex tears for a short period.
3. Blurred Vision or Slower Refocusing
After looking at a screen at close range for a long time, some people may find that distant objects do not appear clear immediately when they look up. Their eyes may need a moment to refocus.
If blurred vision occurs frequently or you feel that you need to make more effort than usual to see clearly, consider having your vision examined. The symptoms may be associated with myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism or an issue involving how the eyes work together, which may require further assessment.
4. Headaches After Prolonged Visual Tasks
Headaches—particularly around the forehead, temples or eyes—may occur alongside eye strain.
The discomfort may become more noticeable toward the end of the day, especially after prolonged focus on screens, small text or fine details.
5. Neck, Shoulder or Back Pain
Screen-related discomfort does not affect only the eyes. When a screen is difficult to see clearly, many people unconsciously lean forward, lower their head or change their sitting position to find a clearer or more comfortable viewing angle.
Maintaining these postures for long periods may lead to neck, shoulder or back pain alongside eye strain.
Managing screen-related discomfort should therefore consider both vision and ergonomics.
Is Double Vision a Symptom of Eye Strain?
Some people use the term “double vision” to describe images that appear unclear, difficult to focus on or visually uncomfortable after prolonged visual activity.
However, if one object genuinely appears as two separate images—especially if the symptom is new, persistent or accompanied by other abnormalities—it should not automatically be attributed to eye strain. An assessment by a qualified eye care professional is recommended.
How Can You Relieve Frequent Eye Strain? Four Tips for Screen Users
If you regularly work at a computer or use digital devices, you do not need to avoid screens entirely. A few adjustments to your habits and working environment may help reduce the visual demands placed on your eyes.
1. Rest Your Eyes with the 20-20-20 Rule
The 20-20-20 rule is a simple practice you can follow throughout the day.
Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on an object approximately 20 feet, or 6 metres, away for at least 20 seconds.
Regularly shifting your focus from near to far may help reduce discomfort associated with prolonged near work.
2. Adjust Your Screen for Comfortable Viewing
Screen brightness should not differ too greatly from the lighting in the room. A bright screen in a dark environment, or persistent glare and reflections, may require your eyes to make greater adjustments.
Consider making the following changes:
- Adjust screen brightness to suit the surrounding environment
- Increase the text size so you can read without straining
- Reduce glare from lamps or windows
- Position the screen at a comfortable viewing angle
- Maintain a viewing distance that does not require you to lean forward
For desktop computers, the screen can be positioned slightly below eye level to support a more natural sitting posture.
3. Blink More Frequently
It may sound simple, but we often blink less frequently when concentrating on work or engaging content.
Remind yourself to blink fully and regularly to help spread tears across the surface of the eyes. If dry-eye symptoms are frequent or severe, relying solely on self-selected eye care products may not be sufficient. The underlying cause should also be assessed.
4. Have Your Vision Examined If Discomfort Persists
Eye pain, tired eyes or blurred vision may not result from screen use alone.
If your prescription has changed, you have astigmatism, or your current glasses are unsuitable for your working distance, your eyes may need to make additional effort to see clearly.
This is particularly relevant for people who spend several hours a day working with screens. A vision examination should consider your actual working distance and everyday visual habits, rather than focusing only on whether you can read letters clearly on a standard eye chart.
Computers and smartphones have become integral parts of everyday life. The goal is therefore not to avoid screens completely, but to help your eyes work comfortably and efficiently in a way that suits your lifestyle.
If you experience tired eyes, eye pain, dryness, blurred vision or visual discomfort while working with screens, a comprehensive vision examination can help determine whether your current prescription and visual performance are suitable for your real-life needs.
Personalised Vision Care for Every Aspect of Your Lifestyle at Better Vision Prestige
At Better Vision Prestige, our eye care professionals provide comprehensive vision examinations to assess both your prescription and how you use your eyes in everyday life.
Based on the results, we can recommend lens options tailored to your individual vision needs, working distances and lifestyle.
Book Your Appointment Today
Better Vision Prestige — Erawan Bangkok, 4th Floor
494 Phloen Chit Road, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Tel. 063-851-8322
LINE Official: @btvprestige
Open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Book a comprehensive vision examination to explore the possible causes of visual discomfort and find an eye care approach suited to your individual needs.
