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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of eyestrain

First recorded in 1870–75; eye + strain ¹

Example Sentences

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

Despite popular belief that blue light causes or worsens eyestrain, Rosenfield thinks the connection is weak.

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