Your eyes feel tired, dry, or sore after a long day at the computer, and you’re wondering when the discomfort might go away. Eye strain affects many Canadians, especially those who spend hours looking at screens or doing close-up work.
Most cases of mild eye strain can clear up within a few hours, but persistent symptoms may last several days or weeks depending on the underlying cause and your daily habits.
At Oxford Optometry, we understand how frustrating persistent eye strain is. That’s why we’re here to provide personalized solutions for relief with our digital eye strain services.
What Is Eye Strain & Why Does It Happen?
Eye strain occurs when your eyes get tired from intense use, similar to how your leg muscles feel after a long walk. Your eye muscles work harder when focusing on tasks that require concentration, leading to fatigue and discomfort.
Activities that commonly cause eye strain include:
- Reading for long periods, especially in dim light or with small text
- Computer work, smartphone use, and watching television
- Driving long distances, particularly at night
Symptoms of Eye Strain
Your body often sends clear signals when your eyes need a break from demanding visual tasks. Here’s what to look for:
Eye-Related Symptoms
- Eye fatigue & soreness
- Blurred or double vision
- Dry or watery eyes
- Light sensitivity
Body-Related Symptoms
- Headaches
- Neck & shoulder pain
- Difficulty concentrating
Digital Eye Strain vs. General Eye Strain
Digital eye strain happens due to screen use. It often includes symptoms like dry eyes from reduced blinking. General eye strain can come from any close-up work, poor lighting, or uncorrected vision problems. Both types cause similar discomfort but may need different approaches for relief.
How Long You Can Expect Eye Strain to Last
The duration of eye strain depends on several factors, including how severe your symptoms are and what caused them in the first place. Your recovery time can also vary based on your age, overall eye health, and daily habits. Following helpful techniques like the 20-20-20 rule can help speed up your recovery process.
Typical Recovery Time for Mild Eye Strain
Mild eye strain usually improves within a few hours once you stop the activity that caused it. You might notice your eyes feeling better after a good night’s sleep or a short break from screens. Most people experience relief within 24 hours when they give their eyes proper rest.
When Eye Strain Lasts Days or Weeks
Persistent eye strain that lasts several days often indicates an underlying issue that needs attention. You might have an uncorrected vision problem, need an updated prescription, dry eye, or your work environment may need adjustments. Chronic eye strain can continue for weeks if you don’t address the root cause.
Common Causes That Make Eye Strain Last Longer
Several factors can extend your recovery time and make eye strain symptoms persist longer than expected. Identifying these causes can help you address them more effectively.
Poor Lighting & Screen Position
Working in dim light forces your eyes to work harder, while overly bright lighting can cause glare and discomfort. Your screen position matters too—looking up or down at an awkward angle strains both your eyes and neck. Proper lighting and screen placement at eye level can help reduce strain duration.
Underlying Vision Problems
Uncorrected nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can all make your eyes work overtime to focus clearly. You might squint or strain without realizing it, leading to prolonged discomfort. Even small vision changes can cause significant eye strain if left unaddressed.
Dry Eye Disease
The lack of lubrication caused by chronic dry eyes can make symptoms of eye strain last much longer. Air conditioning, heating systems, and reduced blinking during screen time can worsen dry eye. Our dry eye treatment services focus on identifying underlying causes and providing targeted relief.
Simple Ways to Speed Up Recovery
Small changes to your daily routine can make a significant difference in your comfort level. Here’s what to try:
The 20-20-20 Rule & Taking Breaks
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to give your focusing muscles a break. Set reminders on your phone or computer to help you remember these regular breaks. Taking longer breaks every hour can also help prevent strain from building up.
Adjust Your Screen & Environment
Position your screen about arm’s length away and slightly below eye level to reduce neck and eye strain. Adjust brightness to match your surroundings and increase text size if you find yourself squinting. Consider using a document holder next to your screen to avoid constantly refocusing between distances.
Blink More Often & Use Eye Drops
Make a conscious effort to blink fully and frequently, especially during screen time. Artificial tears can help lubricate dry eyes and provide relief from strain symptoms. Choose preservative-free drops like Thealoz Duo to use regularly throughout the day.
When to See Your Optometrist in Woodstock
Sometimes, eye strain symptoms indicate a more serious underlying condition that needs professional attention. Knowing when to seek help can prevent long-term discomfort and protect your vision health.
Persistent Symptoms That Don’t Improve
If your eye strain lasts more than a few days despite rest and self-care measures, you should schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Chronic headaches, ongoing blurred vision, or worsening symptoms may signal an underlying problem. Don’t ignore persistent discomfort that interferes with your daily activities.
Signs of Underlying Eye Conditions
Sudden changes in vision, severe light sensitivity, or eye pain all warrant immediate attention. Similarly, issues like double vision, seeing halos around lights, or loss of side vision can indicate serious conditions. These symptoms require prompt evaluation by your eye care professional and may need emergency eye care services.
How Comprehensive Eye Exams Help
A thorough eye exam can identify vision problems, dry eye disease, or other conditions contributing to your eye strain. Your optometrist can recommend treatments, prescription glasses, or environmental changes to reduce your symptoms. Regular eye exams help catch problems early before they cause prolonged discomfort. Our adult and senior eye exams include modern diagnostics to detect issues that might contribute to persistent eye strain.
If you’re experiencing eye strain, our team at Oxford Optometry can help identify the root cause and provide personalized solutions. Contact us in Woodstock to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and get back to comfortable, clear vision.
