Loading symptom information
Tired, sore, or dry eyes from prolonged screen use or close-up work. Also called computer vision syndrome. Affects up to 90% of people who use screens for 2+ hours daily.
There are several possible causes. Here are the most common ones:
Reduced blink rate and sustained focus cause strain.
You might suspect this if you have:
Screen brightness mismatch with environment.
You might suspect this if you have:
Needing glasses or updated prescription.
You might suspect this if you have:
Insufficient tear production.
You might suspect this if you have:
Important: This information is for general guidance only and should not be used to self-diagnose. A doctor can properly assess your symptoms and provide appropriate advice.
Call 000 or go to Emergency immediately
Digital eye strain is the occupational health epidemic of the modern workplace. Nearly everyone who works at a screen for more than 2 hours daily experiences it to some degree, yet very few seek help or make the simple adjustments that resolve it. The root cause is that our eyes evolved for distance vision and outdoor light — sustained near-focus on a backlit screen in an air-conditioned room is physiologically demanding. The most effective intervention is the 20-20-20 rule, combined with deliberate blinking and appropriate screen positioning. I also always recommend an eye test to rule out uncorrected refractive error — even a mild prescription that you 'don't really need' can eliminate eye strain entirely.
Medical certificate guidance: Severe eye strain can make screen-based work impossible. If headaches and eye fatigue are debilitating despite ergonomic adjustments, a certificate and optometry referral are appropriate.
All clinical decisions are made by AHPRA-registered doctors following our clinical governance framework. We never automate clinical decisions.
Screens don't cause permanent eye damage, but they do cause temporary symptoms (strain, dryness, headache). The real concern is that we blink 50% less when using screens, leading to dry eyes and fatigue.
Evidence is mixed. Current research suggests blue light glasses have minimal effect on eye strain. Better strategies are the 20-20-20 rule, proper screen positioning, and adequate lighting.
Severe eye strain with headaches can affect your ability to do screen-based work. A certificate may be appropriate, along with recommendations for workplace ergonomic assessment.
If your symptoms are keeping you from work or study, you can request a medical certificate through InstantMed. A doctor will review your symptoms and issue a certificate if clinically appropriate — typically for 1 to 3 days depending on severity. You don't need to be dramatically unwell; feeling genuinely too rough to function is reason enough.
Yes. Australian-registered doctors can assess your symptoms and issue valid medical certificates via telehealth. You fill in a detailed health questionnaire, a doctor reviews it, and if appropriate, your certificate is delivered digitally. No waiting room required.
You complete a structured health questionnaire covering your symptoms, duration, severity, and relevant medical history. The reviewing doctor uses this information — the same clinical reasoning they'd apply in a face-to-face consult — to determine whether a certificate, advice, or referral is appropriate.
A medical certificate covers the period stated on the document. If your symptoms worsen or don't improve as expected, you should see a GP in person or visit your nearest emergency department if it's urgent. Your certificate doesn't replace ongoing care — it's a point-in-time clinical assessment.
In some cases, yes. If a doctor reviewing your request determines that a common, non-restricted treatment is appropriate, they may issue a prescription as part of a consultation. Not all symptoms require or qualify for a prescription — the doctor will advise you on next steps.
Medical certificates are typically issued in under 30 minutes, available 24/7. Other requests are reviewed within 1–2 hours during operating hours (8am–10pm AEST, 7 days). You'll receive an email notification once your request has been reviewed.
If your symptoms suggest something that requires a physical examination, diagnostic tests, or specialist referral, the doctor will let you know and recommend appropriate next steps. Your safety is the priority — telehealth is a great option for many things, but it's not a replacement for hands-on assessment when that's what's needed.
No Medicare card is required for medical certificates. If you're requesting a prescription or consultation, a valid Medicare card is needed. Our service is private and does not attract a Medicare rebate, though any prescriptions issued can still attract PBS subsidies at the pharmacy.
Our Australian-registered doctors can assess your symptoms and provide advice, treatment, or medical certificates if needed.
Get assessedThis information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health. Content on this page has been reviewed by AHPRA-registered Australian doctors but does not replace a personalised medical consultation.