Digital Eye Strain

Use Your Digital Devices Comfortably

The average American worker spends approximately 7 hours working on their computer a day, and 58% of adults have experienced digital eye strain symptoms. It’s no surprise many people suffer from headaches, sore necks, and watery eyes after using their digital devices.

You shouldn’t have to experience these symptoms every time you use the computer. Visit Dr. Jeannine Fowler at Eyes Etc. Optical, and we can discuss your digital device usage.

What Is Digital Eye Strain?

Digital eye strain occurs when your eyes become strained from extended screen usage and focusing. You can experience eye fatigue, affecting your ability to concentrate throughout the day. People who view screens for more than 2 hours a day are more at risk of digital eye strain.
While this condition won’t cause long-term damage, it can still affect your quality of life. Discomfort typically goes away once you rest your eyes, but long rests aren’t always an option during the workday.
Common digital eye strain symptoms include:

• Blurry vision

• Difficulty concentrating when using digital devices

• Dry eyes

• Headaches

• Light sensitivity

• Sore neck, shoulders, or back

• Watery eyes

What Causes Digital Eye Strain?

Digital screens make your eyes work harder—they have to constantly focus and refocus when reading or looking at the screen. The computer isn’t the cause of your irritation. It’s how you use your computer.

When using the computer, people tend to:

• Blink less

• Have poor posture

• Use devices with glare or reflection

• Use devices with poor contrast between the text & background

• View their devices from poor distances & angles

Some people may experience digital eye strain symptoms due to an uncorrected vision problem or muscle imbalance. Receiving an eye exam can help Dr. Jeannine Fowler determine if this is the cause of your irritation.

Preventing Digital Eye Strain

Resting your eyes is the best way to treat digital eye strain, but long rests may not be possible at work or school. Making changes to your digital habits can help reduce or prevent irritation. Consider implementing the following when using your digital devices:

• Adjust the lighting in your room to match your screen brightness

• Adjust your workstation so your monitor is at eye level & you’re sitting an arm’s length away from your screen

• Blink frequently to moisten your eyes

• Move your computer away from overhead lighting & sunlight to avoid glare

• Use the 20/20/20 rule to take breaks—look at something at least 20-feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes

​​​​​​​Visit us for an eye exam if your symptoms persist despite these changes. There may be another reason you’re experiencing these symptoms.

Sore & Tired Eyes Shouldn’t Rule Your Life

Digital eye strain may not cause significant damage to your eyes, but you shouldn’t have to deal with consistent discomfort. We can review your digital device habits and recommend how to avoid future irritation. If you have an uncorrected eye or vision problem, Eyes Etc. Optical can address this with treatment to improve your comfort when using the computer.

Contact Eyes Etc. Optical if you have digital eye strain symptoms, we can help alleviate your discomfort.