'asthenopia' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'asthenōpia', where 'asthen-' meant 'weak' and 'ōps/opia' meant 'eye' or 'sight'.

'asthenopia' changed from the Greek medical term 'asthenōpia' into New/medical Latin as 'asthenopia' and was later adopted into modern English with the same form.

Initially it meant 'weakness of vision', and over time it has come to be used primarily for 'eye strain' or 'visual fatigue' (often from prolonged near work).