Why does watching TV make my eyes uncomfortable?
Nov 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, eye discomfort while watching TV may be caused by factors such as eye strain, screen irritation, dry eye syndrome, allergic conjunctivitis, or refractive errors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily diet, increase intake of foods rich in vitamin A, such as carrots and blueberries, and reduce consumption of spicy and irritating foods.
Generally, eye discomfort while watching TV may be caused by factors such as eye strain, screen irritation, dry eye syndrome, allergic conjunctivitis, or refractive errors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Eye strain: Watching TV continuously for several hours causes sustained tension in the orbicularis oculi muscle and ciliary muscle fatigue, leading to soreness and discomfort. After every 30 minutes of viewing, stand up and look into the distance for 5 minutes. During eye closure, perform eye exercises. Ensure 7 hours of sleep each night and apply a warm compress with a towel at 40°C to the eyes for 10 minutes to relieve ocular fatigue.
2. Screen irritation: Excessive brightness or imbalanced contrast on the TV screen can expose the eye surface directly to blue light, causing dryness and pain. Adjust the TV brightness to match ambient lighting, enable the low-blue-light mode, maintain a viewing distance of at least 3 meters, and avoid lying down or watching sideways to reduce pressure on the eyeballs.
3. Dry eye syndrome: Blinking frequency decreases while watching TV, accelerating tear evaporation and resulting in insufficient lubrication of the ocular surface. Make a conscious effort to blink more often during viewing, use a humidifier indoors to maintain moisture levels, and follow medical advice to use artificial tears such as sodium hyaluronate eye drops, polyethylene glycol eye drops, or carboxymethylcellulose sodium eye drops.
4. Allergic conjunctivitis: Dust accumulation on the TV screen or airborne allergens like pollen can irritate the conjunctiva, causing itching, redness, and discomfort. Regularly wipe the TV screen with a lint-free cloth, avoid known allergens, wear protective eyewear when outdoors, and take medications as prescribed, such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, loratadine syrup, or chlorpheniramine maleate tablets.
5. Refractive errors: Uncorrected myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism forces the eyes to over-accommodate when watching TV, leading to eye strain and pain. Visit a hospital for an eye examination and proper prescription of corrective lenses. Choose suitable eyeglasses or contact lenses; individuals with severe myopia or hyperopia may consider full femtosecond laser surgery to reshape the cornea and correct vision.
In daily life, increase dietary intake of vitamin A-rich foods such as carrots and blueberries, and reduce consumption of spicy and irritating foods. After watching TV, clean the eye area with normal saline solution and avoid rubbing the eyes with dirty hands. Maintain eye health through scientific care and hygiene practices.
