Digital Age,
Digital Strain

We’re spending plenty of time in front of screens these day — almost 12 hours each day. Whether it’s iPads, video games, televisions, computers, or smartphones, it’s hard to get through the day without significant screen time.

With an increase in screen time comes digital eye strain, a group of vision-related problems caused by prolonged use of tablets, computers, smartphones, and video games.

It’s clear that digital devices aren’t going away any time soon. The good news is that with some lifestyle adjustments, digital eye strain can be managed.

Book a comprehensive eye examination to discuss your digital device usage.

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Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain

Here are some to watch out for:

Sore and tired eyes
Blurry or double vision
Headaches
Difficulty concentrating
Neck or back pain
Watery or dry eyes

Is Blue Light Bad?

With increases in screen time, eye care professionals are noticing more and more patients with eye strain and other impacts of blue light exposure.

Digital devices emit blue light, a type of visible light that isn’t as easily focused as regular light. Too much exposure to blue can lead to eye strain and cause problems with your sleep schedule. Blue light inhibits melatonin production—a sleep-promoting hormone.

Blue light-blocking glasses can minimize your exposure and improve your digital eye strain symptoms and sleep.

Preventing Digital Eye Strain

There are some quick and easy ways to mitigate digital eye strain:

Posture & Ergonomics: Make sure that you’re sitting upright rather than hunched over with rounded shoulders. Your head and neck should be in alignment with your torso. Your keyboard and mouse should be within reach, and your device should be at eye level.
Proper Device Settings: Most digital devices let you adjust their settings. Font size can be increased to minimize straining, and the screen display shouldn’t be too bright.
The 20-20-20 Rule: Relax your eyes by looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds after every 20 minutes spent looking at a screen. Following this rule will help you refocus your eyes and reduce strain.
Blinking Breaks: When looking at screens, users blink much less often. When you don’t blink, you can develop dry eyes, increasing irritation associated with digital eye strain.

Find Relief From Digital Eye Strain

Many of the symptoms of digital eye strain are also symptoms of more serious eye problems. If you struggle with digital eye strain, please make an appointment for an eye exam to discuss your screen time—and your symptoms—with your optometrist.

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