The Surprising Link Between Poor Posture and Your Eyes

Dec 1, 2025 | Digital Eye Strain, Neurolens

If you notice yourself slouching at your desk, leaning toward your screen, or tilting your head to see clearly, these habits may be signs that your eyes are working harder than they should. Many people experiencing neck or shoulder pain, chronic headaches, dry eye, or persistent eye strain never realize that their visual system could be the underlying cause.  

At Omaha Primary EyeCare, we offer Neurolens in Elkhorn to help address binocular vision dysfunction (BVD), an eye alignment issue that often contributes to these symptoms. 

How your vision impacts your posture 

Poor posture, especially slouching, is often a sign of BVD. When your eyes are slightly misaligned, your brain has to work harder to maintain clear vision. This extra effort can lead to: 

  • Neck, shoulder, or upper back tension 
  • Headaches or migraines 
  • Eye fatigue or difficulty focusing 
  • Dry eye or general irritation 
  • Subconscious tilting or leaning forward to see clearly 

Your posture may be your body’s way of compensating for visual discomfort, even if it creates new strain. 

For example, slouching can tilt your head forward, which increases the effort your eye muscles need to maintain alignment. This can intensify symptoms of BVD, even though poor posture doesn’t directly cause it. People with BVD often adopt characteristic postures to reduce discomfort, such as leaning closer to screens, favoring one side, or tilting their head slightly. 

Why eye exams are important 

Identifying the root of your discomfort starts with a comprehensive eye exam. During your visit, our optometrists evaluate how your eyes work individually and together. They can determine whether glasses, contact lenses, or specialized solutions like Neurolens could help ease strain, improve comfort, and support better posture throughout your day.  

If you are a good candidate for Neurolens, we customize your prescription to reduce strain, helping you see more comfortably. 

Tips to support better posture and vision 

Even minor daily changes can ease strain and improve how your eyes and body feel: 

  • Position your monitor so that the top third of the screen aligns with your eyes 
  • Sit back fully in your chair with proper lumbar support 
  • Take breaks from screens to relax your eyes and shoulders 
  • Stay hydrated to reduce dry eye symptoms 
  • Wear glasses or contact lenses suited to your daily activities 

Improve your comfort and vision today 

Supporting how your eyes work together can dramatically improve your daily comfort. If you deal with persistent neck or shoulder pain, headaches, or eye strain, exploring the connection between posture and vision may provide the relief you’ve been looking for.  

Schedule an appointment at Omaha Primary EyeCare in Elkhorn to find out how you can feel better every day.