Digital Eye Strain
Did you know the average American worker spends up to 7 hours a day on the computer? Consistent computer use places many people at risk of headaches, tired eyes, and sore necks. We rely on digital devices more than ever, but no one should have to live with this discomfort.
Long-term digital screen usage can lead to many uncomfortable symptoms, but we can help prevent future irritation. Visit Clear Lake Eye Center, and we can help you find relief from digital eye strain.
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What Is Digital Eye Strain?
Digital eye strain, sometimes called computer vision syndrome, occurs when the eyes become tired or strained when using digital devices like computers, phones, or tablets. It includes a range of irritating symptoms that can affect your quality of life.
An estimated 50% of computer users experience the symptoms of digital eye strain, including:
- Blurry vision
- Dry eyes
- Eye fatigue
- Headaches
- Sore neck & shoulders
What Causes Digital Eye Strain?
The cause of digital eye strain is not your digital devices themselves—it’s how you use them. You can get strained eyes from focusing on a task for long periods, including driving or reading. However, many people tend to develop this condition when using their digital devices because they make the eyes work harder.
People tend to view their screens too close to their eyes and use devices with glare or reflection. Other common problems include blinking less when using your devices and having poor contrast between the text and background of the screen.
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Other factors can contribute to digital eye strain symptoms, such as:
- An uncorrected eye problem or refractive error
- Dim light causing you to strain to see your screen
- Exposure to dry air from a fan or air conditioning system
- Glare on your screen
- Long periods of work without rest
- Poor posture
- Stress or fatigue
Preventing Digital Eye Strain
While resting your eyes can help relieve irritation, we know that’s not always possible in the middle of the work day. Making some changes to your digital device habits can help relieve or prevent future irritation.
Try implementing the following changes when using your devices:
Adjust your workstation
Proper ergonomics can make a big difference in your comfort. Ensure your computer screen is at least an arm’s length away, your chair is comfortable with your feet resting on the floor, and your screen is below eye level.
Avoid Incoming Glare
Position your screen away from incoming sunlight or overhead light to avoid glare irritating your eyes.
Remember to Blink
People tend to blink less when using the computer, so ensure you blink to avoid dry eyes.
Use the 20-20-20 Rule
Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something at least 20 feet away. This break helps your eyes get some well-deserved rest.
The Comprehensive Benefits of Neurolens Glasses
Seeing clearly is important, but it’s only part of the picture. Our brains rely on our eyes working together to achieve visual comfort. Even a slight misalignment can disrupt this teamwork and lead to binocular vision dysfunction (BVD).
Neurolens glasses can help accommodate these subtle misalignments and improve coordination between your eyes and brain, resulting in a more comfortable visual experience. Neurolenses lenses offer a myriad of other types of support, such as:
- Alleviating symptoms of digital eye strain
- Improving focus and concentration
- Providing relief from headaches and neck pain
- Correcting eye misalignment
- Enhancing overall visual comfort
Let’s Discuss Your Digital Habits
While the symptoms associated with digital eye strain can be uncomfortable to deal with, we can help relieve or even prevent these symptoms from occurring. We can discuss your digital device habits and recommend the best ways to prevent future irritation.
If your symptoms persist despite these changes, contact us, and we can help determine the underlying cause of your irritation.
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