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

New Vogue Spa’s $125 eye treatment targets digital eyestrain and dry eyes with a blend of TCM acupressure and ‘cold mist atomization.’

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 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

She and Rosenfield both argue that how we interact with digital devices contributes more to eyestrain than screens’ blue light does.

From Scientific American • Aug. 24, 2023

He had an eyestrain headache from trying to read in dim natural light, and even though the school kept its thermostat at fifty-five degrees, he hadn’t been able to shake off the morning chill.

From "The Dead and the Gone" by Susan Beth Pfeffer