Which of the following most qualifies as a chief complaint?

The term "chief complaint" refers to the primary issue or symptom that a patient presents with, which leads them to seek medical attention or consultation. In this context, eye fatigue is the most comprehensive statement that encompasses the overall discomfort a patient may be experiencing relating to their vision, and it typically signifies a persistent issue.

Eye fatigue can be associated with various underlying causes like prolonged screen time, reading, or strain from visual activities, which makes it a significant symptom. As a chief complaint, it indicates to the healthcare provider that the patient is experiencing broader issues related to their visual health and is seeking help for that overarching condition.

On the other hand, excessive tearing, blurred vision, and light sensitivity are more specific symptoms. While they are important and certainly could be contributing factors or secondary complaints associated with eye fatigue, they do not encapsulate the general sense of discomfort that eye fatigue does. These specific symptoms might just be a part of the larger picture, making them less suitable as a chief complaint when compared to the more holistic nature of eye fatigue.