Eye strain, known medically as asthenopia, is a common condition resulting from intense visual focus that leads to discomfort. Eye strain can absolutely cause pain in the temples. This pain is typically an indicator that the eye muscles have been overworked. The resulting headache is generally a form of tension headache, which usually resolves once the eyes are rested.
The Physiological Link to Temple Pain
The mechanism that translates eye strain into temple pain involves muscle fatigue and referred pain. When focusing on a near object, two groups of muscles work continuously. The ciliary muscle contracts to change the shape of the lens for clear focus.
The extrinsic eye muscles must constantly work to keep the eyes converged, or turned slightly inward, to maintain a single image. Sustaining this intense muscular effort causes fatigue, creating tension that radiates beyond the eyes.
This muscle tension often manifests as a headache that begins around the eyes and spreads to the forehead and temples. The pain felt in the temples is a type of referred pain, as the eye muscles share nerve pathways with the head and temple regions.
The resulting discomfort is classified as a tension headache, characterized by a dull, aching sensation. This headache is a direct consequence of the sustained muscular effort required to maintain near-focus.
Everyday Activities That Cause Strain
The most frequent cause of eye strain and resulting temple pain is prolonged use of digital devices, commonly termed Digital Eye Strain or Computer Vision Syndrome. Staring at a screen for hours reduces the blink rate, leading to dry, irritated eyes and blurred vision. The eyes must continuously accommodate and converge on the fixed screen distance, forcing the muscles into continuous tension.
Poor lighting is another significant trigger, whether the environment is too dim or too bright. Insufficient light forces the eyes to strain to discern details. Excessive glare or brightness causes squinting and increased muscular effort to filter light, requiring the eye muscles to exert more effort than is comfortable.
Uncorrected or improperly corrected vision problems also lead to significant strain. If a person has uncorrected nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, the eye muscles must constantly overcompensate to achieve focus. Outdated prescriptions in glasses or contact lenses also force the eyes to work harder, rapidly bringing on fatigue and temple pain.
Tasks requiring intense, close-up visual concentration, such as reading small print, sewing, or driving long distances, can also induce strain. Any activity demanding sustained near-focus prevents the eye muscles from resting and relaxing, leading to the spread of tension to the surrounding facial and head muscles.
Simple Ways to Find Relief and Prevention
Immediate relief from eye strain and temple pain often starts with simple behavioral adjustments. The most widely recommended measure is the “20-20-20 rule.” This involves taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at an object 20 feet away. This shift in focus allows the ciliary and extrinsic eye muscles to relax, pausing the sustained contraction that causes fatigue.
Adjusting your workspace ergonomics can also significantly reduce strain. Position your digital screen at arm’s length, ensuring the top of the monitor is at or slightly below eye level. Consciously increasing your blink rate while using screens helps keep the eyes lubricated and reduces the dryness that often accompanies visual fatigue.
For immediate discomfort, gentle massage of the temples and forehead can help relieve accumulated muscle tension. Staying well-hydrated throughout the day can also contribute to overall muscle health and reduce the severity of tension headaches. If temple pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by sudden vision changes, double vision, or nausea, consult an eye care professional for a comprehensive examination.