The most common eye strain symptoms include soreness and irritation as well as blurry vision and a sensitivity to light. Twitching is another one of the most common eye strain symptoms. Eyes may also feel heavy, and appear red and puffy. These days, many cases of eye strain are induced by staring at a computer monitor day in and day out. Such cases often display further symptoms, such as difficulty reading text on a printed page after reading on a computer and continuing to see images even after looking away from the monitor.
Eye strain symptoms tend to develop as a result of repetitively staring at a particular object for long periods of time, such as a chalkboard or textbook. In today's world, strain often occurs from being at the computer desk for too long. Computer-associated eye strain has become so common that the condition has its own name: Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Symptoms can often be resolved by taking a break from the computer. CVS symptoms are also often accompanied by a sore neck, headache, and fatigue—all predictable outcomes of intense fixation on a keyboard and monitor for extended periods of time.
Eye strain symptoms may also occur as a result of poor eyesight. Blurry vision and sore eyes are common symptoms associated with such cases. Fortunately, a trip to the optometrist usually can solve this problem. Optometrists can conduct vision tests and assess what prescription glasses or contact lenses are necessary to correct vision. There is also the option of corrective eye surgery, such as LASIK surgery, which offers a permanent, glasses-free solution to poor eyesight.
Eye strain symptoms are usually harmless. With chronic eye strain, however, there is an added risk of developing attention problems. Someone who regularly experiences eye twitching, headaches and other discomforts from focusing on objects too long may find it difficult to focus; without being able to focus, an individual may find paying attention, reading or learning painful and difficult.
If eye strain occurs from focusing too long on an object, and not from poor eyesight, then symptoms may be easy to alleviate without professional help. There are various exercises which can help relax and strengthen eye muscles. Such lessons can be sought out on the Internet or in books. Simply taking breaks to rest the eyes can also help tremendously.
In some cases, eye strain symptoms result from a problem with the muscles in the eye. This may be the case if one already has glasses, and if taking breaks and resting the eyes doesn't alleviate symptoms. Sometimes, problems with the eye muscles can be worked out with therapy. In other cases, they must be worked out by corrective surgery.
It's common for people suffering from eye strain to also experience back and neck pain. This comes from sitting at a desk for extended periods of time, hunched over while staring at a particular object. Taking frequent work breaks and developing better posture can help alleviate eye strain and back pain.