Can Eye Strain Cause Dizziness and Balance Issues?

Many people experience eye strain after spending long hours on digital devices, reading, or driving. While eye strain often leads to symptoms like headaches, blurred vision, and fatigue, some individuals also report dizziness or balance problems. Let’s explore how the eyes and body are connected and when it might be time to visit your eye doctor in Bristol.

The Connection Between Your Eyes and Balance

Your eyes play a crucial role in helping your body maintain stability and spatial awareness. They work alongside your inner ear and brain to interpret movement and position. When your eyes are tired, misaligned, or struggling to focus, your brain receives conflicting signals - leading to sensations of dizziness, lightheadedness, or even vertigo.

This is why individuals with uncorrected vision issues, eye muscle imbalance, or binocular vision disorders may experience balance-related symptoms when their eyes are under strain.

Common Causes of Eye Strain

Eye strain, also known as asthenopia, can develop from several factors:

•           Extended screen use: Staring at phones, computers, or tablets without breaks.

•           Improper lighting: Reading or working in poorly lit environments.

•           Uncorrected vision problems: Outdated or incorrect prescriptions for glasses or contacts.

•           Focus fatigue: Switching between near and distant objects too frequently.

Over time, these factors can cause your eyes to work harder than they should, potentially leading to dizziness or difficulty maintaining focus.

When to See Your Eye Doctor

If you notice persistent dizziness, headaches, or visual discomfort, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam in Bristol. During the exam, Dr. Della Porta will assess your vision, eye coordination, and focusing ability to determine whether your symptoms are vision-related or stem from another cause. We can also check for conditions such as convergence insufficiency, which occurs when the eyes don’t work together properly - often resulting in balance issues or double vision.

How Eye Strain Can Be Managed

Depending on the cause, treatment for eye strain may include:

•           Updating your glasses or contact lens prescription

•           Using specialty lenses to correct alignment issues

•           Practicing the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)

•           Adjusting lighting and screen ergonomics

These small adjustments can make a big difference in reducing strain and restoring balance.

Get Expert Care from Our Trusted Eye Doctor in Bristol

While occasional dizziness from eye strain may be temporary, frequent or worsening symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. Because your eyes are deeply connected to your body’s balance system, even mild vision problems can disrupt your equilibrium.
 

If you’ve been feeling dizzy or off-balance, schedule a comprehensive eye exam in with Della Porta EyeCare for personalized treatment. Visit our office in Bristol, Connecticut, or call (860) 807-1500 to book an appointment today.