Do You Suffer From Eye Strain? We Can Help You

Asthenopia is a condition in which you experience symptoms such as eye strain and blurry vision. It is a common issue which many people experience, especially those who spend a lot of time looking at digital screens. Learn more about this condition and how to relieve your discomfort.

Find an amplify doctor near you

Do You Suffer From Eye Strain? We Can Help You Optometrist

Do You Suffer From Eye Strain? We Can Help You Videos

Is Your Vision Blurry When You Use Your Computer or Phone?

Do You Suffer From Blurred Vision? We Can Help You.
Amplify EyeCare Santa Clarita
Dr. Carl Garbus

Find out if you need to see an optometrist by taking the Double Vision Quiz

What is Asthenopia?

Asthenopia is that feeling you may get where your eyes feel sore, achy, or tired. It is often experienced after spending an extended period of time looking at a computer or phone screen. Long periods spent reading, driving, or working on an intricate project can also cause asthenopia (essentially anything requiring long periods of focus from your eyes.

This occurs because of prolonged use of the muscles which control the movement of your eyes, and pupils.

Someone who has dry eyes or suffers from a vision problem and doesn’t use corrective lenses to correct problems like farsightedness, nearsightedness, or presbyopia, may be more likely to experience asthenopia.

What are Symptoms of Asthenopia?

In addition to the obvious fatigue due to eye strain, asthenopia can cause several other symptoms. These include:

Itching or burning eyes
Squinting
Dry eyes
Headaches, specifically around the eyes and forehead
Blurry or double vision
Eye twitches
Photophobia
Difficulty concentrating

You may also experience shoulder or neck pain since the physical positions which lead to eye strain can also strain certain muscles.

How is Asthenopia Diagnosed?

Very often, you will notice the symptoms of asthenopia yourself, though at times you might not notice them until you take a break from the activity causing the eye strain.

The effects of asthenopia generally only last for a short period, but they can linger for as long as a few hours. If this occurs often, it is advisable to consult with our eye doctor to try and determine if there is an underlying cause, or if there is something you can do to alleviate the symptoms. A comprehensive vision exam will detect if there is more going on than simple eye strain.

Frequent bouts of eye strain can lead to future instances that may see the symptoms develop faster, more often, and for longer periods.

Eye strain typically doesn’t cause any permanent damage or negatively affect your vision, but it can be troublesome enough to lower your quality of life, especially if you tend to spend a great deal of time looking at screens.

Find an amplify doctor near you

How is Asthenopia Treated?

In most cases, simply giving your eyes a rest and generally taking care of them will minimize and alleviate your eye strain.

You can also try adjusting the brightness of your computer or phone screens, or adjusting the overall light level in the room.

However, if there is an underlying cause leading to regular eye strain, then treating that condition will be the key to preventing further regular eye strain. If your eye strain is being caused by something like farsightedness or nearsightedness, then wearing the proper corrective lenses should mitigate the effects. If it is dry eye causing your asthenopia, then treating that condition should similarly relieve your eye strain.

Limiting your time in front of a screen and taking breaks, or sitting a bit further back from the screen, will relieve some of the stress on your eye muscles.

Vision Therapy as Treatment for Asthenopia

Vision therapy, performed by neuro-optometrists, can also be an effective treatment for asthenopia. It can help treat some underlying problems which may cause regular asthenopia, and, by improving your vision skills to better control eye movement, you can learn to prevent your eyes from straining as much.

Find an Amplify Practice in Your Area

Amplify EyeCare is a team of a passionate and experienced optometrists practicing eye care at the cutting edge of technology and vision science. We are growing with new locations coming across the US.

Visit a Neuro eye center at an Amplify EyeCare practice near you:

Amplify EyeCare Santa Clarita in Santa Clarita, California
Amplify EyeCare of Greater Long Beach in Bellflower, California
Amplify EyeCare Chattanooga in Hixson, Tennessee
American Family Vision Clinic in Olympia, Washington

Common Questions

Can you cure strained eyes?

Yes, strained eyes, also known as asthenopia, can usually be cured or managed. The key is to identify and address the cause, which can often be related to factors such as extended screen use, insufficient lighting, or incorrect vision prescription. An eye specialist may recommend adjusting your work environment, taking regular breaks, or using specialized glasses to reduce eye strain.

Can strain damage your eyes?

While eye strain itself does not typically cause permanent eye damage, it can lead to discomfort, including headaches, blurred vision, dry or watery eyes, and increased sensitivity to light. If you are experiencing prolonged eye strain, it is advisable to consult an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye examination.

Do I need glasses for eye strain?

Glasses specifically designed for computer or near work can help reduce eye strain. Even if you don't usually need glasses, they can be beneficial if you're experiencing symptoms of eye strain. Your eye doctor can advise you on whether such glasses might be suitable for you.

Is asthenopia a disease?

Asthenopia, or eye strain, is not a disease, but a symptom of overuse or improper use of the eyes. It can also be a sign of an underlying condition that needs addressing, such as refractive error or presbyopia.

What is the other term for asthenopia?

Another term for asthenopia is eye strain. It is a condition characterized by discomfort or fatigue in the eyes, often resulting from extended use of digital devices, reading, or performing other close work.

Summary

Aesthenopia is a relatively common problem which has become more prevalent as we spend more time in front of screens. While it is a relatively minor condition, it can still have a negative impact on your quality of life, and should be addressed. If you are experiencing frequent symptoms of asthenopia, you can reach out to your nearest Amplify EyeCare practice either via a call or in-person visit to schedule an eye exam. Our team of eye care professionals is ready and equipped to provide you with the care you need.