Common Causes of Eye Strain

Did you know that eye strain is so prevalent that it has its own technical term? It’s asthenopia, and as youroptometrist in Greensburg, PA at Lappen Eye Care can tell you, we see it more and more. We have a theory that it’s more prevalent now than in the past because people spend so much time looking at screens. It’s a problem, but until we outlaw computers—which, admittedly would be horrible at this point—it’s something that we’re going to all have to learn how to better manage. To that end, understanding the causes of eye strain can help prevent discomfort and maybe even reduce how much eye strain you experience.

Prolonged Screen Time

Staring at digital screens for extended periods is one of the leading causes of eye strain. The blue light emitted by screens, combined with reduced blinking, can lead to symptoms such as dryness, headaches, and blurred vision. This is often referred to as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome.

Bad Lighting

The muscles in your eyes are forced to work harder when there’s bad lighting. This includes things like reading in dim light or sitting in a room with harsh overhead lighting.

Incorrect Prescription Lenses

Wearing outdated or incorrect prescription glasses or contact lenses can also cause eye strain. If your lenses don’t match your current vision needs, your eyes will need to exert extra effort to focus, the very definition of eye strain.

Extended Focus on Close Work

Spending long periods focusing on nearby objects, such as reading, crafting, or writing, can lead to strain. Your eye muscles need regular breaks to relax and adjust to different focal distances.

Please come in for aneye exam in Greensburg, PA at the first sign of any eye strain. Don’t take it for granted that it’s innocuous. Eye strain can also be a symptom of something more serious.