Eye fatigue or eye strain is a common and annoying condition. It is rarely a serious condition. Common sense precautions at home, work, and outdoors may help prevent or reduce eye fatigue.
But sometimes eye fatigue is a sign of an underlying condition that may need medical treatment.
If eye fatigue persists despite taking simple precautions, see your doctor. This is especially important if your eye fatigue is associated with headaches or with eye problems such as:
- Discomfort
- Double vision
- Significant change in vision
Any activity that requires intense use of the eyes, such as extended amounts of driving or reading, can cause eye fatigue. These include extended periods of:
- Reading
- Writing
- Driving
Exposure to bright light or straining to see in dim light can also cause eye fatigue.
One of the most common causes of eye fatigue is staring for long periods at digital devices such as:
- Computer screens
- Smartphones
- Video games
