Eyestrain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Eyestrain?
An eye doctor treats eyestrain. This is usually an optometrist (an eye care provider who checks vision and prescribes glasses) or an ophthalmologist (a medical eye doctor). An eye exam can find the cause of digital eyestrain. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is eyestrain?
Eyestrain is eye discomfort and vision trouble that many people get after looking at digital screens for a long time. Doctors also call it digital eyestrain or computer vision syndrome. The more you use a screen, the more discomfort you may have. Looking at a computer for a long time can tire out your eyes.
A screen is different from a printed page. Letters on a screen have less contrast with the background. Glare and reflections can make viewing hard.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms are:
- Eyestrain
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Dry eyes
- Neck and shoulder pain
Some people also have watering, red, or itchy eyes. Others are very sensitive to light or have trouble refocusing from one distance to another. Many of these symptoms are only temporary and get better after you stop using the screen. Some people still have blurred distance vision after they stop. If nothing is done about the cause, the symptoms keep coming back and may get worse.
Causes and who gets it
Symptoms may be caused by:
- Poor lighting
- Glare on the screen
- Improper viewing distances
- Poor seating posture
- Vision problems that are not corrected
- A mix of these factors
Vision problems that are not corrected include farsightedness (trouble seeing up close). They also include astigmatism (blurry vision from an unevenly shaped eye surface). Aging changes of the eyes, such as presbyopia (trouble focusing up close that comes with age), can also add to symptoms. Even people who wear glasses or contacts may find the prescription does not fit the distance to their screen. People at greatest risk spend two or more continuous hours a day at a computer or digital screen. Staring at a screen lowers how often you blink, which can lead to dry eye problems.
How doctors diagnose it
An eye doctor can diagnose digital eyestrain with a comprehensive eye exam. The tests may include:
- Questions about your symptoms, health problems, medicines, and surroundings
- A visual acuity test, which checks how clearly you see
- A refraction, which finds the lens power you need
- Tests of how your eyes focus, move, and work together
Sometimes eye drops are used to keep the eyes from changing focus during testing.
Treatment
These problems can usually be eased. Get regular eye care and change how you look at the screen. Glasses or contacts made for everyday use may not be enough for computer work. Lenses made for computer viewing may be needed. Some people have eye focusing or eye teaming problems. Glasses cannot fully fix them. They may need vision therapy, a set of eye activities prescribed by an eye doctor.
You can also try these habits:
- Every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Rest your eyes for 15 minutes after two hours of nonstop computer use.
- Blink often.
- Place the top of the screen slightly below eye level.
- Place the screen to avoid glare from overhead lights or windows.
When to see a doctor
See an eye doctor if your symptoms keep coming back even after you make these changes. A thorough eye exam every year is a good idea for people who use computers.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if a headache or eye problem comes with sudden dizziness, weakness, or a change in vision.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Such a doctor can do an evaluation, follow up on your symptoms, and refer you to an eye doctor for a full eye exam.
Common questions
Does eyestrain go away on its own?
Often it does, because many symptoms are only temporary. If nothing is done about the cause, the symptoms will keep coming back and may get worse.
What is the 20-20-20 rule?
The 20-20-20 rule means taking a break every 20 minutes to look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a chance to refocus.
Do blue light glasses help with eyestrain?
Experts do not agree yet on whether blue-blocking filters help.
Do I need special glasses for computer use?
Possibly, since glasses for general use may not be enough for computer work. Some people who do not need glasses for other daily activities may benefit from glasses made for computer use.
Can children get eyestrain?
Yes, children can strain their eyes too. Children may not say their eyes hurt, but they may blink hard or avoid screens.
Sources
- American Optometric Association - Computer vision syndrome
- National Eye Institute - Keep Your Eyes Healthy
- PMC - Digital Eye Strain: A Comprehensive Review
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
