eyestrain

American  

[ahy-streyn] / ˈaɪˌstreɪn /

noun

1. a sensation of discomfort produced in the eyes by their excessive or improper use.

   to have eyestrain from reading fine print in poor light.

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eyestrain British  

/ ˈaɪˌstreɪn /

noun

1. fatigue or irritation of the eyes, resulting from excessive use, as from prolonged reading of small print, or uncorrected defects of vision

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Etymology

Origin of eyestrain

First recorded in 1870–75; eye + strain ¹

Example Sentences

From screen-time eyestrain to social media’s negative impact on mental health, there are plenty of reasons to get offline even as technology takes over more aspects of our lives.

From Barron's • Jun. 25, 2026

I’m not alone: More than half of the U.S. population lives with computer vision syndrome, also known as digital eyestrain, and nearly 16.4 million Americans suffer from dry eye syndrome.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

“Constant squinting, reduced blinking and rubbing the eyes due to eyestrain can accelerate laxity and puffiness.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 1, 2026

Then, just as the targets were in danger of eyestrain from the rolling, Ivanka would join, full of bubbly but soothing energy.

From Salon • Nov. 10, 2023

As if he were generally weary, or had just undergone some form of eyestrain, he rubbed his closed eyes with the tips of his extended fingers.

From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger