Digital eye strain is a major issue for people who regularly use computers for work or play. It often leads to visual fatigue, headaches, and eye discomfort, along with other symptoms.
At Family Eyecare of Linden, our experienced optometrists offer comprehensive eye exams and custom spectacle lenses designed to reduce digital eye strain.
Digital eye strain is common today, as people everywhere rely on smartphones, digital readers, and computers for school and work. This condition occurs when you use screens frequently.
Unlike books and other printed text, computers require the eyes to constantly refocus due to pixelation, screen glare, and other contrast issues. The result often is tired eyes, headaches, and ongoing eye discomfort.
Digital eye strain can result from factors other than staring at a screen all day. Common causes of computer-related eye strain include:
Underlying eye problems, such as astigmatism and uncorrected refractive errors, can worsen the condition and its symptoms. The key to preventing digital eye strain is to take breaks from the screen and follow the 20-20-20 rule.
The 20-20-20 rule is a great way to reduce eye strain from a computer screen. It involves looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. This habit allows the eyes to readjust and relax.
However, these short breaks aren't the only way to avoid eye strain. We offer the following professional tips to keep your eyes safe while you use a computer:
Palming involves closing both eyes and covering them with your warm palms for a few minutes. The warmth helps the eye muscles relax, effectively eliminating symptoms of eye strain.
Most people don't blink enough while looking at a computer, which can cause significant dryness and irritation. Keep preservative-free artificial tears on hand to relieve dryness and avoid eye strain.
Custom spectacle lenses prescribed for computer use can help reduce digital eye strain by optimizing your vision for the distance you work at most often. They can also improve comfort, reduce focusing effort, and support more relaxed vision during prolonged screen use.
Position your monitor to minimize reflections from windows and overhead lighting, and adjust room lighting to create a comfortable viewing environment. Reducing glare helps your eyes work more comfortably throughout the day.
Blinking frequently is something you need to remember to do while using a computer. The constant refocusing dries the eyes, causing discomfort and strain.
Improper posture not only strains the eyes but also the shoulders and neck. Position the computer screen 20-28 inches in front of you, keeping it at or just below eye level.
Adjusting your screen settings to lower contrast and brightness can reduce eye strain. It's a good idea to match the ambient light around you to avoid problems.
If you're experiencing digital eye strain, schedule an appointment today by calling Family Eyecare of Linden or requesting one online. We proudly serve areas including Clark, Cranford, Elizabeth, Colonia, Scotch Plains, and Linden, New Jersey.
