What Is Digital Eye Strain?

There’s no doubt about it—the world is fully in the digital age, and humans are only becoming increasingly dependent on computers. And, while many people understand the harm these devices can cause, many adults spend up to 12 hours a day in front of a screen. These alarming statistics not only shorten our attention span and leave us feeling lonely, but they can also affect our vision.

Digital Eye Strain is a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer use. It is an exceedingly common condition. 82% of Americans work with a computer or handheld digital device every day. Many individuals experience eye discomfort and vision problems when viewing a computer screen for extended periods, and the level of discomfort often increases with the amount of computer use. Digital Eye Strain can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam with an eye doctor.

What Are The Main Digital Eye Strain Symptoms?

Fortunately, symptoms of Digital Eye Strain are recognizable. However, they are frequently made worse with uncorrected vision problems, poor lighting, computer screen glare, poor posture while sitting, and an improper viewing distance from your computer screen. It can also cause discomfort in your neck and shoulders. The common Digital Eye Strain symptoms include:

• Eye strain
• Headaches
• Eye fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Dry eyes
• Double vision
• Red eyes
• Eye twitching

Digital Eye Strain Treatment Options

Luckily, there are many ways to minimize or eliminate the effects of Digital Eye Strain. Most of the treatment ideas require minimal adjustments to your work environment, or small changes in your habits during your time in front of the computer. Here are seven ways to help alleviate eye strain symptoms caused by Digital Eye Strain:

Schedule an Annual Eye Exam

An annual eye exam is essential to detecting and preventing vision problems early, including Digital Eye Strain. If you’re experiencing prolonged symptoms of Digital Eye Strain, schedule an eye exam near you as soon as possible to discuss treatment options with your eye doctor. During your yearly exam, your eye doctor will assess your overall eye health, address any vision concerns, and correct any refractive problems. Farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia are all types of refractive errors that make it difficult to focus on objects at near distances, including your computer screen. Your eye doctor will also evaluate eye coordination abilities and aging of the eyes, which can lead to increased visual problems when using a computer. After conducting the eye exam, your eye doctor will discuss solutions and treatment options for your eye conditions.

Adjust Your Computer Brightness

The computer brightness should adjust to the lighting of your room. If it’s nighttime, keep the screen dimmer, and if you’re in a bright room or office and cannot change the lighting yourself, bring the brightness on your computer or laptop to avoid straining your eyes.

Minimize Glare

Glare from the computer screen is another way that eyes can strain when sitting at the computer. Choose an anti-glare screen for your display to minimize the problems that come from reflective surfaces, bright office lights, or windows.

Create Softer Lighting

Even if you’ve properly adjusted the brightness on your computer, harsh overhead lighting can contribute to eye fatigue. It helps to change the lighting in the room around you if possible. Keep the lighting in the room soft and indirect so your eyes can focus on the screen.

Position Your Computer Screen

The recommended distance for viewing computer screens is typically about 20-26 inches away from your eyes, and 4-5 inches below eye level. This will reduce eye strain while using the device.

Limit Computer Use

So you’ve optimized much of your computer setup and you’re still having eye problems. What else can you do? Try limiting your computer use as much as possible, by printing documents rather than reading them on the screen, or by meeting in person rather than sending emails or using video conferencing. It’s important to give your eyes regular breaks throughout the day.

Apply the 20-20-20 Rule

One of the common ways to reduce eye strain at the computer is by following the 20-20-20 rule, which states that you should look away from your computer every 20 minutes for 20 seconds, focusing on an object at least 20 feet away.

The hard part is remembering to follow this rule. Scheduling an automatic reminder to pop-up on your screen every 20 minutes will prompt you to take your computer break. Looking at an object at least 20 feet away allows your eyes to readjust to distance, and the 20-second period lets your eyes relax. During your 20 second break, make sure to blink a few times! This will alleviate dry eye symptoms and help improve ocular comfort by keeping the front surface of your eye moist. Having eye drops on hand for rewetting your eyes will also relieve dry or red eyes.

Take Action Against Digital Eye Strain

Be cognizant of the amount of time you’re spending on digital devices and how it’s impacting your vision and eye comfort. If your occupation involves moderate or heavy computer use, try to limit time spent on digital devices outside of work. Less computer screen time will likely result in happier, healthier eyes.

If you spend long periods of time in front of a screen, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of Digital Eye Strain. You can prevent long-term damage to your eyes by following our above tips and receiving regular eye exams. Your eyes deserve the care and attention you give the rest of your physical health, and they’ll reward you with clear vision if you take the time to treat them well. Schedule an eye exam with your local eye doctor today!