Eye strain headache

Overview

Eye strain happens when your eyes get tired from focused use, like looking at a screen, reading, or driving for a long time. Screen-related eye strain is also called digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome.

We blink less when we look at screens, so eyes can get dry and tired. Eye strain is uncomfortable but doesn't damage your vision.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually start after long periods of focused eye use.

• Headache from screens or reading
• Headache in the forehead or front
• Pain behind or around the eyes
• Blurry vision
• Tired, sore, dry, or burning eyes

Less common

• Watery eyes
• Trouble keeping your eyes open
• Eyelid twitching
• Eyes sensitive to bright light

How it usually goes

• About 2 hours: Eye strain can start after long screen use.
• After a break: Symptoms usually ease.
• Ongoing: Keeps coming back without breaks or the right glasses.

Look up a symptom: Blurry vision · Headache · Headache from screens or reading · Headache in the forehead or front · Pain behind or around one eye

When to get medical care

Causes

Long periods of focused eye use, such as screens, reading, and driving. Blinking less, glare, poor lighting, dry air, and needing glasses or a new prescription make it worse.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Long hours on screens
• Uncorrected vision problems, like astigmatism
• Dry eyes
• Poor lighting or glare

Possible complications

• Dry eye: Can go along with eye strain

Diagnosis

Eye strain is usually clear from your symptoms. An eye exam can find vision problems that make it worse.

Questions you may be asked

• How many hours you spend on screens or reading
• When the headache starts
• Dry, burning, or itchy eyes
• When you last had an eye exam

The exam

An eye doctor checks your vision and whether you need glasses or a new prescription.

Treatment

Simple changes usually help.

Self-care

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds
• Remember to blink, and use artificial tears if your eyes feel dry
• Set up your screen about an arm's length away and slightly below eye level
• Reduce glare, and work in a well-lit room
• Wear glasses with the right prescription
• Take a break after about two hours of driving

Medicines

Medicine is rarely needed.

If headaches keep happening, get an eye exam. You may need glasses or a new prescription. Blue light glasses aren't recommended, since there's no strong evidence that screen blue light causes eye strain.

How it compares

Prevention

You can prevent most eye strain:

• Use the 20-20-20 rule
• Blink often
• Keep screens clean and reduce glare
• Get regular eye exams
• Use a humidifier in dry winter air

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an optometrist or ophthalmologist (eye doctor).
• A physical therapist can help with exercises to rebuild strength and motion.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Children: Set screen-time breaks and encourage outdoor time.
• Contact lens wearers: Glasses may be more comfortable for long computer use.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Eye strain is temporary and doesn't cause lasting harm. Breaks and the right glasses usually stop the headaches.

Getting ready for your visit

An eye doctor can check your vision.

What to bring

• Your glasses or contacts
• How much time you spend on screens
• When symptoms start

Questions to ask

• Do I need glasses or a new prescription?
• Should I use eye drops?
• How should I set up my screen?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Eye strain headache