It’s no surprise that technology plays a larger role in our lives today than ever before. In fact, the average American spends more than half of their waking hours looking at a digital device!

Whether it’s a computer at work, checking your smartphone at lunch, or relaxing with a good book on an e-reader, technology is center stage — but not without consequences on your vision. You may not even realize it, but you could be suffering from digital eye strain.

Friends chatting on the computer screen

Digital Eye Strain Causes

Computer Vision Syndrome, also referred to as digital or computer eye strain can be caused by spending too much time in front of a digital screen like a laptop computer or cell phone. When you look at a screen for too long, this often causes blinking to diminish, which in turn, causes your eyes to dry out and unnecessarily strain.

Eye strain symptoms vary because everyone has different habits, but the most common are:

  • Sore, tired or dry eyes
  • Headaches
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Burning or itching sensation in eyes
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Neck, shoulder or back pain

If you’re experiencing symptoms of digital or computer eye strain, any MyEyeDr. location can offer treatment. This may involve anti-fatigue or blue light lenses that block blue light or anti- reflective coatings on lenses which minimize glare.

Woman stretching at her desk
  • How am I affected?

    The effects of digital eye strain are most commonly headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes and neck and shoulder pain. Causes are generally due to one or a combination of these issues:

    • Improper lighting
    • Glare from a digital screen
    • Misaligned viewing distances
    • Screen resolution and lack of contrast between text and screen
    • Poor seating posture
  • Are blue light exposure and digital eye strain the same thing?

    Though blue light is associated with computers and other digital devices, the largest source of blue light is sunlight. Too much exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun increases the risks of eye diseases; however, we know less about the potential effects due to blue light particularly as it relates to digital devices.

  • How can I prevent digital eye strain?
    • Wear your latest prescription. If you have prescribed vision correction, it is important to wear your prescription and follow recommendations provided by your optometrist. Visit your optometrist every year to ensure your prescription is up to date.
       
    • Consider computer lenses. If you’re one of the many Americans who uses a digital device every day, consider lenses designed to reduce impact of looking at screens for long periods of time by eliminating glare and increasing contrast. Consider computer glasses to leave at work, guaranteeing you always have a pair on hand.
       
    • Arrange your desk with your eyes in mind. Optimize your work environment to reduce harmful effects to your vision. Increase the text size on your digital device and adjust contrast to make content more readable. Position your computer display at least an arm’s length away and so that the top of the screen is at, or slightly below, eye level to decrease tension in the neck and back. If you find yourself tipping your head back to read the screen, computer glasses might be for you.
       
    • Make the 20-20-20 rule a habit. Dry, tired eyes? You aren’t alone. According to The Vision Council, roughly 60 percent of Americans suffer from digital eye strain. Sustained digital device usage can wear eyes out and impact performance. As a rule of thumb, use the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds. This refocuses eyes and allows blinking to return to a normal rate.
       
    • Schedule an annual eye exam. Having a routine comprehensive eye exam is the most important thing you can do to prevent or treat computer vision problems. Consult your local optometrist and schedule an annual eye exam to detect any vision issues early and ensure digital device usage does not impact your work performance.

Find Treatment for Digital Eye Strain

MyEyeDr. practices offer patients solutions that allow them to see clearer at home and at work every day. Let our practices help you improve your vision by treating your digital eye strain and finding the best eyewear for your needs. Each of our locations are staffed with highly-trained specialists who are members of the local community and dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care for you and your family.

MyEyeDr. practices accept all eye insurances and offer a wide variety of brands of eyeglasses and prescription contact lenses to suit your needs. To make an appointment, use our convenient online scheduler today.

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