Eye fatigue, also known as eye strain, is a common concern for many of us. Whether you’re spending hours staring at a computer screen, reading fine print, or driving long distances, your eyes can feel tired and overworked. But how long does this discomfort actually last—and more importantly, what can you do about it? Eye fatigue typically lasts a few hours and can be relieved with rest and proper eye care. If it persists beyond a day, it might be time to consult an eye care professional.
At L’occhio Eyecare-Eyestyle, we’re here to provide personalized care tailored to your needs. Understanding and addressing issues like eye fatigue is part of what makes our practice stand out. We don’t just treat you like another appointment on the books—we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Causes of Eye Fatigue
It’s important to understand what causes eye fatigue in order to understand how long it lasts. Often, eye fatigue is linked to how you use your eyes during the day. Common causes include:
- Screen time: Hours spent on computers, phones, or other digital devices can lead to digital eye strain. Even high-quality screens aren’t immune to causing overworked eyes.
- Poor lighting: Trying to read or focus in dimly lit environments forces your eyes to work harder, leading to fatigue.
- Prolonged focus: Whether it’s reading for hours or detail-oriented work, keeping your eyes intensely focused without breaks can tire them out.
- Driving long distances: Staring at the road for extended periods can strain your eyes, especially in low-light or challenging visual conditions.
These activities don’t just tax your eyes—they can lead to symptoms like dryness, headaches, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light.
How Long Does It Stick Around?
Now, on to the question you came here for. The good news? For most people, eye fatigue is temporary. If the cause of your tired eyes is addressed—like taking regular breaks or improving lighting—it can go away in just a few hours or even less.
For example, if you’ve been working on a computer all day, stepping away and practicing the 20-20-20 rule can do wonders. (Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.) A quick walk outside or closing your eyes for a brief rest can refresh them surprisingly fast.
However, if the strain continues day after day, lingers for more than a day, or is accompanied by other symptoms (like constant headaches or uncomfortable dryness), it could signal an underlying issue. Persistent eye fatigue shouldn’t be ignored!
At L’occhio Eyecare-Eyestyle, our approach focuses on getting to the root cause of your discomfort. A professional eye exam can help determine whether it’s simply strain or something more.
Avoiding & Managing Eye Fatigue
Taking proactive steps can greatly reduce the risk of eye fatigue. Prevention doesn’t just save your eyes from unnecessary strain—it also helps maintain better long-term eye health. Here are some basic tips to keep your eyes feeling their best:
Blink More Often
It sounds simple, and that’s because it is. Blinking keeps your eyes hydrated and prevents dryness. When you’re glued to a screen, blinking often gets overlooked, so make it a habit to check in with your blink rate.
Optimize Your Workspace
Make sure your screens are positioned so you’re looking slightly downward, with lighting that reduces glare. Anti-glare screen protectors can also help.
Adjust Settings for Comfort
Lower the brightness of your screens and increase text size to reduce squinting or strain. Blue light filter glasses, like the ones available at our boutique at L’occhio, can also make a notable difference during heavy screen use.
Take Regular Breaks
Incorporate quick breaks during any visually intense task. Whether that’s a mindful pause during work or simply looking away from the road during long car trips, it lets your eyes reset.
Invest in Eyewear That Works for You
If you wear glasses or contacts, having the right prescription is crucial. Outdated prescriptions can lead to unnecessary eye strain. That’s why our full-scope exams at L’occhio Eyecare-Eyestyle prioritize getting these details spot-on. Your eyewear should support your vision—not make it work harder.
Stay Hydrated & Get Enough Sleep
Tired bodies lead to tired eyes. Make sure you’re not skipping on the basics when it comes to self-care.

When to See Your Eye Doctor
If your eye fatigue isn’t going away or feels like it’s getting worse, it’s time to schedule an appointment. Sometimes, ongoing eye strain can signal deeper issues like dry eye syndrome, uncorrected vision problems, or even conditions like glaucoma or cataracts.
At L’occhio Eyecare-Eyestyle, we love taking the time to fully understand what’s going on with your eyes. From comprehensive eye exams to tailored recommendations for eyewear or treatments, we make sure you’re never just a number. Our practice is built on providing customized care—you’ll walk away with answers, clarity, and an action plan designed just for you.
What’s more, we go beyond just medical care. Your eyewear isn’t just about better vision; it’s about making a statement. Our handpicked collection of frames—chosen by Dr. Grifasi himself—ensures you find both style and comfort. We believe your treatment plan should be as unique as you are
Your Eyes Deserve Personalized Care
Eye fatigue is a part of modern life, but it doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. Whether it comes and goes or sticks around longer than it should, the team at L’occhio Eyecare-Eyestyle is here to help.
We’re dedicated to providing solutions that don’t just address your symptoms but enhance your overall eye health. From thoughtful advice on managing daily strain to state-of-the-art exams in our beautifully equipped office, we’re more than just an optometry practice—we’re your partner in vision care.
If you’re ready to give your eyes the care they deserve, book an appointment today. See what makes L’occhio Eyecare-Eyestyle the standout choice for personalized, stylish, and effective eye care solutions.
Because your eyes are more than just a number—they’re one of a kind, just like you.