How To Prevent Digital Eye Strain

What Is Digital Eye Strain?

Eye strain refers to symptoms experienced when looking at something, often for a long time. Digital eye strain (also known as ‘computer vision syndrome’ or ‘digital eyes’) is the discomfort experienced after using digital devices like computer screens and cell phones.

As a matter of fact, research suggests that between 50% and 90% of people who work at a computer screen experience some digital eye strain symptoms.

What Causes Digital Eye Strain?

Staring at screens for prolonged periods of time causes digital eye strain. It’s not just computer and phone screens that can cause strain, devices like tablets, gaming consoles, televisions, and e-readers all contribute.

Interestingly, eye strain is not caused by the blue light emitted from screens. Instead, the symptoms are linked to how we use these devices. Research from the American Academy of Ophthalmology also explains that we get digital eye strain because we blink less when staring at screens. Less blinking means your eyes are more likely to dry out and become fatigued.

Other factors that can exacerbate digital eye strain include screen glare, bad lighting, uncorrected vision problems, and even poor posture.

What Are The Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain?

Digital eye strain can be quite bothersome, but the good news is that using devices will not permanently damage your eyes.

Here are a few digital eye strain symptoms you might start experiencing:

• Tired and uncomfortable eyes
• Dry eyes
• Itchy or red eyes
• Blurred or double vision
• Tearing or watery eyes
• Headaches
• Neck and shoulder pain

Think you might be experiencing digital eye strain? Visiting your ophthalmologist and getting regular eye tests will help determine if you’re struggling with this and what you can do to prevent it.

Digital Eye Strain Treatment

There isn’t a quick fix for how to prevent digital eye strain completely, but there are a few ways to reduce its effects.

• Limit screen time: One of the best ways to minimise digital eye strain is to limit screen time.
• Take regular breaks: Try the ‘20-20-20’ rule - every 20 minutes look away from your screen, and look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Alternatively, read our guide on eye exercises for tips on how to rest your eyes.
• Adjust lighting: To reduce eye strain, try dimming the lights around your screen or using a screen filter.
• Use eye drops: Lubricate your eyes with eye drops to reduce dryness.
• Wear glasses: If you wear contact lenses try switching to glasses as this will reduce eye dryness and fatigue.

There’s no need to suffer with uncomfortable eyes or blurry vision - even if it’s not a result of digital eye strain. Book a free, 30-minute consultation with our London-based ophthalmologist to see if your vision needs correction and whether laser eye surgery is a viable option for you.