Eye strain describes symptoms that occur after intense use of the eyes. This common condition results in discomfort and fatigue, rather than causing permanent damage to vision. Many people experience eye strain, especially with the increased demands of digital screens, prompting questions about whether corrective eyewear might offer relief.
Common Causes of Eye Strain
Several factors contribute to eye strain. Prolonged engagement with digital screens is a frequent contributor, leading to what is often termed digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. Staring at screens can reduce blink rates, leading to dry eyes and discomfort.
Environmental elements also play a role. Inadequate lighting, whether too dim or excessively bright, forces the eyes to work harder. Glare from light sources or reflective surfaces can also create discomfort and contribute to strain. Maintaining an improper viewing distance from screens or reading material can place additional stress on the ocular muscles.
Underlying vision problems can also be a source of eye strain. Uncorrected refractive errors, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism, require the eyes to constantly strain to achieve clear focus. Dry eyes, whether due to reduced blinking or environmental factors, can also cause irritation and a gritty sensation.
When Glasses Help with Eye Strain
Glasses can alleviate eye strain when discomfort stems from uncorrected vision problems. Prescription glasses correct refractive errors, allowing the eyes to focus without constant muscular effort. For instance, uncorrected nearsightedness or farsightedness often causes strain as eyes attempt to compensate for blurred vision.
As people age, presbyopia often develops, making it difficult to focus on close-up objects. Reading glasses or multifocal lenses provide the necessary magnification for near tasks, reducing the strain from struggling to read small print. These corrective lenses restore clear near vision, preventing the fatigue that often accompanies presbyopia.
Specialized glasses, such such as computer glasses, can also provide comfort for digital eye strain. These lenses optimize vision at the intermediate distance used for computer screens. While the effectiveness of blue light filtering glasses in preventing eye strain or protecting eye health is still under investigation, some individuals report reduced discomfort. They are primarily considered a comfort aid, not a medical necessity.
Non-Glasses Solutions for Eye Strain
Strategies for alleviating eye strain do not always involve corrective eyewear, focusing on environmental and behavioral adjustments. Implementing the “20-20-20 rule” can reduce digital eye strain: every 20 minutes, look away from your screen at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This brief visual break allows the eyes to relax and refocus, interrupting prolonged near work.
Adjusting screen settings on digital devices also contributes to eye comfort. Ensuring appropriate brightness, increasing text size for readability, and adjusting contrast can reduce visual effort. Positioning the monitor correctly, about an arm’s length (20-40 inches) away and with the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level, helps maintain a comfortable viewing angle.
Optimizing the lighting in your workspace is another important step. Using ambient lighting softer than direct overhead lights, and avoiding glare, can minimize visual discomfort. Increasing your blink rate helps keep eyes lubricated, preventing dryness and irritation; artificial tears can supplement if symptoms persist. Regularly stepping away from tasks for short breaks allows the eyes to rest, reducing cumulative strain.