Medical Articles

Beware of Eye Strain！

31.05.2026

We’ll be discussing eye strain, a condition commonly seen in modern people who spend long hours working on computers or constantly looking at their smartphones. Medically speaking, there is a distinction between “tired eyes”—which improve with rest or sleep when you feel “eye fatigue” or “heaviness”—and “eye strain,” where symptoms persist stubbornly and do not go away.

While “tired eyes” are generally temporary, “eye strain” can cause symptoms such as blurred or hazy vision, pain, redness, heavy eyes, a gritty sensation, sensitivity to light, and excessive tearing. Unless these symptoms are addressed or there is a change in your work environment, they will not resolve on their own. These unpleasant symptoms can persist indefinitely and may even lead to a worsening of your overall condition.

It goes without saying that the more you use your eyes, the more tired they become. The most common cause of eye strain is simply “overuse.” With the widespread use of the internet and smartphones, our “visual environment” is becoming increasingly demanding. In addition to overuse, eye strain is often caused by dry eye, mental stress, colds, menopausal symptoms, autonomic nervous system disorders, tooth decay, gum disease, and even ear or nose conditions. Often, several minor factors overlap to result in chronic eye strain.

If eye strain progresses to physical ailments, and those ailments in turn worsen the eye strain, a vicious cycle can develop, leading to chronic poor health. To prevent this, as a general rule, you should warm the area around your eyes with a warm towel to improve blood circulation. Conversely, applying a cold compress can help refresh your eyes when they are bloodshot. If you notice even the slightest abnormality or feel that something is “off” regarding your eye fatigue, be sure to consult a medical professional as soon as possible.

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