Eye strain is when your eyes are overworked from activities such as driving, reading, exposure to bright light or using the computer for long periods of time. Typically resting your eyes allows them to heal from the eye strain but sometimes there is an underlying condition that needs attention. Eye strain can appear as headaches, dry or watery eyes, blurred or double vision and even sore neck, back or shoulders. Stress, fatigue and dry or moving air can make eye strain worse. Eye strain can reduce your ability to focus and it can be uncomfortable but you can reduce eye strain to optimize your vision.


  1. 1
    Look away from the computer. Constant computer use causes eye strain from the amount of time spent looking at the bright screen. The computer screen is usually only an arms-length away and can cause suppressed vision in one eye or poor eye teaming.
  2. 2
    Adjust the monitor on your computer. Place it so the monitor is right in front of you and the top of the monitor is at eye level. This helps reduce strain on your eyes because you are looking down at the screen so your eyes are not wide open, absorbing all the light.
  3. 3
    Reduce the glare on your computer monitor by adjusting the contrast and brightness for the least amount of eye strain. These settings are different for everyone.
  4. 4
    Give your eyes a rest periodically throughout the day to reduce eye strain and optimize your vision. If you spend a lot of time looking at one particular thing, be it the computer, a book or the road, focus on something else for at least 20 seconds. If you are driving, pull over to do this.
  5. 5
    See your doctor, who may need to prescribe glasses. He will administer an eye exam to determine whether you need glasses to improve your vision or whether your prescription needs adjusting.
  6. 6
    Do not wear contact lenses longer than necessary. Unless otherwise prescribed by your doctor, do not wear contact lenses while sleeping or longer than a 24 hour period. Continuous wear of contact lenses will dry out and irritate your eyes, which can result in eye strain.
  7. 7
    Use a bright light source when reading or writing close up. Reading or writing with inadequate light can cause strain on your eyes.
  8. 8
    Read with a light behind you shining on what you are reading. This way, what you are reading is adequately lit and the light is not shining in your face.
  9. 9
    Keep lights dim when watching television to reduce the light contrast in the room. Too much contrast can cause stress on your eyes.
  10. 10
    Blink your eyes often. This will help to keep them from drying out and help produce tears. Blinking helps to reduce eye strain and promote optimal vision by moistening and lubricating your eyes.
  11. 11
    Massage the muscles around your eyes to help produce tears and relax the muscles. Massage your upper and lower eyelids gently with your fingertips for about 10 seconds. Relaxing the muscles can reduce eye strain and promote optimal vision.
  12. 12
    Use artificial tears to help your eyes from getting dry or to add moisture to already dry eyes. Check with your doctor for the best kind suited for you.
  13. 13
    Wear sunglasses whenever you are outside in order to decrease exposure to glare, especially on bright or hazy days. Wear sunglasses that give you 100 percent protection from harmful ultraviolet rays. Squinting will not only give you wrinkles, it will cause extra strain on your facial muscles, multiplying eye strain.

Community Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left


      Related wikiHows

      About This Article

      28 votes - 79%
      Co-authors: 6
      Updated: March 29, 2019
      Views: 22,937
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 22,937 times.

      Did this article help you?