A 21st Century Problem for 21st Century People

Our lives revolve around our digital devices. The average American spends more than 2 hours looking at a screen, from computers to smartphones to tablets and TVs. Too much time spent looking at digital screens can lead to irritated eyes, blurred vision, fatigue, and headaches, which are symptoms of a condition called digital eye strain.

Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain

Common symptoms include:

  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Watery eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Dry eyes
  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Difficulty concentrating

These symptoms are not specific to digital eye strain and should be assessed by an eye care professional. If you experience any of the above symptoms, please call us at Advanced Eye Physician to book an eye exam and rule out the possibility of a more serious eye problem.

Treating Digital Eye Strain

Although digital eye strain can be uncomfortable, it does not lead to permanent eye damage. Fortunately, there are easy lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your eye strain symptoms.

Give Your Eyes a Break

To ensure you are giving your eyes a chance to relax, try following the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This will give your eye muscles a chance to relax and your eyes to refocus before going back to work.

Avoid Eye Strain at Work

Many Americans spend most of their workdays on a computer. Although computer work is unavoidable, you can avoid eye strain by following office ergonomics guidelines. Poor posture can lead to headaches, neck pain, and back pain and exacerbate eye strain.

You can also:

  • Use artificial tears to keep your eyes hydrated.
  • Adjust the contrast and brightness of your computer screen to match your surroundings.
  • Reduce glare by positioning your screen away from windows or bright lights or using a screen filter.