# Eye Fatigue is the Cause of False Myopia!

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-diseases/eye-fatigue-is-the-cause-of-false-myopia

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-10

> **Summary:** False (pseudo) myopia is nearsightedness caused by spasm of the ciliary focusing muscles after long periods of close work such as reading or using phones, tablets and computers. Common in young people but little known, it is treated by removing the cause and resting the eyes, as the ophthalmologists at Kudret Eye İstanbul explain.

## Quick Facts
- **Cause:** Ciliary muscle spasm from prolonged near focusing, fatigue and stress
- **Most affected:** Young people and computer-based occupations
- **Can be confused with:** Migraine
- **Reading distance advised:** 50 cm or arm's length
- **Rest:** Look away for 5 - 10 minutes every hour

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## What is False Myopia?
The ciliary muscles change the curvature of the eye's lens to focus at any distance, contracting for near vision. Long reading, writing or screen use without rest keeps them contracted, so vision blurs when looking into the distance.

## Who is at Risk?
- Young people, due to intensive use of computers, tablets and smartphones.
- Office workers at computers such as accountants, graphic designers and bankers.

## Symptoms
- Blurred distance vision
- Eye pain and eye fatigue
- Light sensitivity (photophobia)
- Headache, sometimes severe and spreading to the upper neck and shoulders
- Variable visual acuity

## Causes
- Eye muscle strain, excessive fatigue and stress
- Some eye medications
- Brain stem injuries
- Intraocular inflammation such as uveitis

## Diagnosis and Treatment
After a detailed eye examination, the cause is identified and a plan is drawn up. During the examination, drops temporarily relax the ciliary muscles to prevent prescription fluctuations. Treatment first removes the cause; with strain-related spasm, the eyes must be rested. Eye drops and glasses may be prescribed. Treatment duration varies from patient to patient.

## Daily Tips
- Keep phones, tablets, newspapers and books 50 cm or an arm's length away.
- Read sitting up, not lying in a reclining position.
- Watch films and series on television rather than computers or tablets.
- Look away for 5 - 10 minutes every hour.

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## References
- Is pseudomyopia associated with anxiety and related disorders?, Kara H et al., Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences
- Computers, Digital Devices, and Eye Strain, American Academy of Ophthalmology