Eye Strain Headache: Definition, Treatment, Prevention, and Diagnosis

Published on June 9th, 2023

Updated on September 24th, 2024

An eye strain headache occurs when there is pain in the head and around the eyes which is most commonly caused by uncorrected refractive errors or other vision issues. It can also be caused by prolonged time spent looking and working on a computer screen or other digital screens, this is known as digital eye strain. Eye strain headache side effects and symptoms include sore eyes, sensitivity to light and dry eyes. Eye strain is a common eye-related issue often caused by looking at digital screens for hours at a time and concentrating intensely on certain tasks such as reading and writing. Some eye strain headache precautions include taking frequent breaks from tasks that require intense concentration, using artificial tears to add moisture to the surface of the eye and limiting screen time where possible. Sometimes, eye strain headaches can be mistaken for other headaches which have systemic consequences. Therefore, you should see a health professional if you are experiencing headaches.

Keep reading to learn more about eye strain headache definition, their causes and symptoms and how they are diagnosed.

What is Eye Strain Headache?

An eye strain headache is a condition in which the head or eyes are in pain due to eye strain which is a common eye condition caused by the eyes concentrating intensely for long periods of time. According to Health Direct, a headache is among the symptoms of eye strain. Other symptoms of eye strain include sensitivity to light, a burning sensation in the eyes, double or blurry vision and difficulty concentrating. An eye strain headache can be treated and prevented by addressing eye strain which involves frequently resting the eyes and using lubricating eye drops.

How Common is Eye Strain Headache?

An eye strain headache is not a common eye problem as this symptom of eye strain is uncommon. According to an article written by the American Migraine Foundation, eye strain is an uncommon cause of headaches and is rarely associated with any function-limiting activity. The article explains that headaches are not typically caused by anything relating to eye problems such as eye strain, rather they are due to a headache disorder such as a migraine. According to the Mayo Clinic, the eye condition eye strain is a common condition caused by the eyes becoming tired after intense use. The most common form of eye strain is digital eye strain and according to CooperVision Australia, approximately 70% of adults experience digital eye strain symptoms.

How Does an Eye Strain Headache Develop?

An eye strain headache is typically developed when a person concentrates intensely for a long period of time on certain tasks and activities such as driving or reading and writing. Digital eye strain is a common form of eye strain that is developed by spending prolonged periods on digital screens such as a computer, tablet or smartphone.

What Does Eye Strain Headache Feel Like?

An eye strain headache can feel different to each person, but some common feelings and symptoms include dull pain or ache behind the eyes, eye fatigue, blurred vision and pain in the shoulders, neck and back. A regular headache, according to the Cleveland Clinic, is often described as a pressure felt in the head that is a constant, dull or sharp throbbing.

How Long Does an Eye Strain Headache Usually Last?

It is difficult to determine how long an eye strain headache lasts as it can vary depending on the person. According to HealthDirect, eye strain typically goes away once you rest your eyes and stop the activity that is causing the discomfort such as working on a computer or reading.

What are the Causes of Eye Strain Headaches

According to Migraine & Headache Australia, the most common cause of an eye strain headache is an uncorrected refractive error. Refractive errors are a category of visual issue that occurs when light entering the eye does not properly hit a person’s retina. This could mean light hits before the retina, or behind the retina, resulting in vision issues that affect a person’s ability to see clearly. Common refractive errors include myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. According to Migraine & Headache Australia, other eye-related problems that cause eye problems include inflammatory conditions such as conjunctivitis and iritis.

Eye strain headaches can also be caused by prolonged periods of time of intense concentration on tasks such as reading and writing and especially on digital screens such as working on a computer for work or school. The eyes may become fatigued and irritated from the intense concentration, causing the muscles to become strained, leading to a headache.

What Medical Conditions Cause Headaches From Eye Strain?

There are no medical conditions that cause headaches from eye strain as this eye issue is commonly caused by refractive errors and spending too much time concentrating on digital screens which are not medical conditions.

What are the Symptoms of an Eye Strain Headache?

The symptoms of an eye strain headache are mostly the same as the symptoms of eye strain. The symptoms of an eye strain headache include sore eyes, dry eyes, neck, shoulder, or backaches, sensitivity to light, trouble concentrating, blurry vision and difficulty keeping your eyes open. The symptoms of eye strain headaches and their definitions are listed below.

Sore eyes: Sore eyes is a symptom of eye strain that causes the eyes to feel irritated or mildly painful which can occur due to many different factors.
Dry eyes: Dry eyes is a condition caused by a lack of tear production meaning there is an insufficient amount of moisture on the eye’s surface to maintain their health.
Neck, shoulder, or backaches: Neck, shoulder, or backaches can be symptoms of tension headaches and can also occur alongside digital eye strain.
Sensitivity to light: Also known as photophobia, sensitivity to light is a common symptom of eye-related issues including eye strain headaches and eye strain in general.
Trouble concentrating: An eye strain headache can make it difficult to focus on certain tasks especially those that require a significant amount of effort like reading and writing.
Blurry vision: Blurry vision refers to a person’s vision being unclear and hazy which may be caused by many eye conditions such as eye strain and also refractive errors including astigmatism and hyperopia.
Difficulty keeping your eyes open: It can be difficult to keep your eyes open when you are experiencing an eye strain headache or a headache in general. This may be due to a sensitivity to light or pain and irritation.

1. Sore Eyes

Sore eyes is a symptom of eye strain that causes the eyes to feel irritated or mildly painful which can occur due to many different factors. Sore eyes can be accompanied by symptoms such as blurry vision, watery or tearing eyes, dry eyes and eye pain. Sore eyes caused by eye strain may be prevented by taking regular breaks to let the eyes rest and limiting screen time as this could be aggravating the eye strain.

2. Dry Eyes

Dry eyes is a condition caused by a lack of tear production meaning there is an insufficient amount of moisture in the eyes to maintain their health. Eye strain can cause dry eyes as a person with eye strain will typically blink less. Other causes of dry eyes include aging, medical conditions, hormonal changes and eye surgery. People who have dry eyes may experience itchiness, irritation and a gritty sensation in the eyes.

3. Neck, Shoulder, or Backaches

Neck, shoulder, or backaches can be symptoms of tension headaches which can cause pain due to tight muscles. Neck, shoulder and backaches commonly occur alongside digital eye strain as the position of the computer or monitor may be putting stress on the body. To prevent these aches when working on a computer, adjust the monitor to improve your comfort levels. According to the Queensland Government’s Health Department, they recommend the monitor should be positioned an arms-length away and directly in front of you with the top of the monitor at or just under eye level to ensure your neck is not straining upwards or downwards.

4. Sensitivity to Light

Sensitivity to light is a common symptom of eye-related issues including eye strain. An increased sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia, describes the eyes struggling to look at bright light. The eyes can often be aggravated by the light emitted from a digital screen when working on a computer all day. To reduce this irritation, you may decrease the brightness of the screen or turn on the blue light filter if available.

A sensitivity to light can also be a sign of another medical condition. It is important to have this symptom checked by a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

5. Trouble Concentrating

A headache can cause trouble concentrating due to the pain or throbbing which can distract you from the task at hand. An eye strain headache can make working on a computer and reading and writing very difficult as when your eyes focus too long, it can overtax the eyes making it difficult to focus. The eye muscles can also become overworked, therefore, you should take breaks and rest the eyes when you are struggling to concentrate.

6. Blurry Vision

Blurry vision refers to a person’s vision being unclear and hazy which may be caused by many eye conditions such as eye strain. Blurry vision may also be caused by refractive errors such as presbyopia and myopia. According to Optometrists.org, uncorrected refractive errors can cause headaches as the eyes are straining to see objects clearly. Blurry vision can be corrected with prescription glasses if it is caused by a refractive error.

7. Difficulty Keeping Your Eyes Open

A symptom of eye strain is a person may have difficulty keeping their eyes open due to a sensitivity to light or pain and irritation. Treatments for this symptom of eye strain include taking frequent breaks to rest the eyes and the eye muscles until the discomfort goes away.

It is important to seek medical attention if you are unable to open your eyes or struggle to keep them open for a prolonged period of time.

What are the Eye Strain Headache Complications?

There are no complications of eye strain or an eye strain headache. An eye strain headache can cause uncomfortable symptoms but will not progress past a dull ache or pain. If you are experiencing severe pain or a prolonged headache, seek medical attention to have your symptoms assessed by a healthcare professional.

How are Eye Strain Headaches Diagnosed?

Eye strain headaches can be diagnosed by an eye care professional, typically an optometrist. They will enquire about your symptoms and when the headache occurs to learn if there is a pattern associated with headaches. This will be part of a regular eye test that will include an assessment of your vision and eye health.

Can Eye Strain Headaches be Diagnosed Just by Their Symptoms?

No, an optometrist will not diagnose an eye condition without first performing a comprehensive eye test to determine the health of a person’s eye and assess their vision. Identifying symptoms of an eye strain headache is an important aspect of diagnosis but is not solely relied upon.

How Can I Identify Whether My Headache is Caused by Eye Strain or Another Condition?

To identify whether your headache is caused by eye strain or another condition, you need to be aware and note when the headaches are occurring and what you have been doing before they started. According to the American Migraine Foundation, if a headache is present when you wake up or is causing you to wake up, the headache is not caused by eye strain. If you experience a headache after doing tasks that require intense concentration from the eyes such as working on a computer, it may be caused by eye strain. It is important to have your vision and eye health assessed by an optometrist if you think you have an eye strain headache as you may need prescription glasses. An optometrist can assess for other eye conditions that may be causing the headache. If you think that your headache could be caused by something other than eye strain, seek medical attention.

What are the Treatments for an Eye Strain Headache?

Treatments for an eye strain headache often involve practices that work to treat eye strain, as a headache is a symptom of this eye condition. Eye strain headache relief and treatment include using lubricating eyedrops, also known as artificial tears, as they add moisture to the surface of the eye, relieving discomfort. Another treatment includes resting the eyes meaning stopping any tasks that require intense concentration such as working on a computer. Finally, bright or artificial light can cause irritation for people with eye strain and eye strain headaches, therefore, avoiding light and resting in a dim room may help with the headache. At Oscar Wylee, we offer a blue light filter that can be added to a pair of optical glasses which may also help in reducing digital eye fatigue.

How are Eye Strain Headaches Prevented?

Eye strain headaches may be prevented by performing activities aimed to reduce eye strain which, therefore, prevents its symptoms, one of which is a headache. Ways to prevent eye strain include practising the 20-20-20 rule, taking frequent breaks, limiting screen time and using proper lighting when reading.The ways to prevent eye strain headaches and their definitions are listed below.

20-20-20 rule: The 20-20-20 rule is used to prevent and relieve eye strain when working on a digital screen. This rule suggests that for every 20 minutes of screen time, you look away for 20 seconds and focus your eyes on something 20 feet away, or 6 metres.
Take frequent breaks: Eye strain may be prevented by taking frequent breaks from tasks that require intense concentration from the eyes such as working on a computer, reading and writing.
Limit screen time: Digital eye strain is a common eye condition caused by prolonged periods of time looking at a screen such as a computer or a tablet. Limiting screen time may reduce eye strain and can also reduce sleep disruptions.
Use proper lighting: Inadequate light when reading or writing can cause eye strain as the eyes have to work extra hard to see the words on the page. To prevent eye strain, ensure you are using proper lighting for activities where required such as when reading.

Does Limiting Caffeine Consumption Reduce Eye Strain Headaches?

No, caffeine consumption does not have any effect on an eye strain headache, although it can both reduce and cause a regular headache. According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, caffeine can treat and trigger a headache, therefore, the effect of caffeine on a headache can differ from person to person. Caffeine may cause a headache as regular consumption can cause the body to form a reliance on caffeine and if it is not consumed in this regular pattern, it can lead to a withdrawal headache.

Can Eating a Healthy Diet Help Reduce Eye Strain Headaches?

Yes, eating a healthy diet may help improve overall eye health, therefore, it may help reduce eye strain headaches. According to the American Migraine Foundation, diet plays a role in how often people experience migraines as some foods such as chocolate and alcohol can trigger migraines. A healthy and balanced diet consisting of fruits and vegetables, whole foods and healthy proteins and fats is beneficial for the whole body including the eyes. Eating healthy foods helps to boost immunity and can also reduce a person’s risk of certain health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

How Can I Reduce Eye Strain When Working on a Computer?

There are many easy tips a person can follow to reduce eye strain when working on a computer. The ways to reduce computer eye strain include using eye drops, staying hydrated, wearing prescription glasses, adjusting computer brightness, performing eye exercises, taking frequent breaks and remembering to blink. The instructions on how to reduce eye strain when working on a computer are listed below.

A person with eye strain caused by working on a computer

Use eye drops: Artificial tears, also known as lubricating eye drops, can be used to reduce eye strain when working on a computer screen as they add moisture to the surface of the eye, relieving discomfort.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated can reduce eye strain as hydration is extremely important in the production of tears which are needed to moisten the eye’s surface.
Wear prescription glasses: Wearing proper prescription glasses can reduce eye strain on a computer as eye strain is commonly caused by uncorrected refractive errors such as astigmatism and hyperopia.
Adjust the computer brightness: Adjusting the computer brightness may reduce eye strain as it helps eyes that have become sensitive to light. Adjusting the brightness can include turning the brightness down, turning on a blue light filter or changing the colours of the screen to a warm hue which is less harsh on the eyes.
Perform eye exercises: Performing eye exercises ensures the muscles in the eyes are being properly worked and strengthened. This can be very beneficial after spending long periods of time working at a computer. Eye exercises also give the eyes a chance to rest.
Take frequent breaks: Taking breaks when working on a computer can help to reduce eye strain. Frequent breaks allow the eyes to rest from intense concentration as prolonged effort from the eyes can lead to them becoming irritated or tired.
Remember to blink: It is common for people to blink less when working on a computer due to intense concentration. Try and remember to blink when on a digital screen as your eyes may become strained as less moisture is being added to the eyes.

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