Digital Eye Strain

Digital eye strain is a very common problem, especially among people who spend a lot of time looking at screens. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 80% of people who use computers regularly experience some form of digital eye strain. Read on to learn more about digital eye strain, it’s causes, and how to prevent it.

What is Digital Eye Strain?

Digital eye strain is a condition that can occur when you spend extended periods of time looking at digital screens, such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. The condition is also sometimes referred to as “computer vision syndrome” or “digital screen fatigue.” Luckily, there are some simple things you can do to help protect yourself from digital eye strain.

What Causes Digital Eye Strain?

There are several factors that can contribute to digital eye strain, including:

• Glare from the sun or artificial light: Glare from bright lights can cause your eyes to work harder, leading to fatigue.
• Blue light exposure: Blue light, which is emitted by digital screens, can cause eyestrain, and disrupt your natural sleep cycle.
• Poor lighting: If the lighting in your environment is not ideal, it can cause your eyes to strain.
• Improper viewing distance: If you are too close or too far from your screen, it can cause eye fatigue.
• Uncorrected vision problems: If you have uncorrected vision problems, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, you may be more susceptible to digital eye strain.

What Are the Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain?

Now that we know what digital eye strain is, let’s take a look at some of the symptoms.

• Eye fatigue
• Headaches
• Dry eyes
• Blurred vision
• Neck and shoulder pain

If you experience any of these symptoms after spending time looking at a digital screen, it’s important to take a break and give your eyes a rest.

How Can You Prevent Digital Eye Strain?

Digital eye strain can be annoying and uncomfortable, but fortunately there are things you can do to help relieve the symptoms.

• Position your computer screen so that it’s at eye level. This will help reduce strain on your eyes.
• Adjust your room lighting. Make sure that the lighting in your room is not too bright or too dim.
• Modify your screen brightness and contrast. The brightness, contrast and font size can all be adjusted to make it easier on your eyes.
• Take frequent breaks. Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen for at least 20 seconds.
• Use artificial tears. If your eyes feel dry, use artificial tears to lubricate them.
• Blink often. Blinking helps keep your eyes moist and prevents dryness.
• Clean your contacts. If you wear contact lenses, make sure to clean them regularly and replace them as needed. Wearing dirty or old contact lenses can exacerbate digital eye strain.
• Wear blue light blocking glasses.

If you experience chronic digital eye strain, it is important to see an ophthalmologist or optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam. They can determine if you have any underlying vision problems that may be contributing to your symptoms and provide treatment options.

What Are the Long-Term and Short-Term Effects?

Digital eye strain is a condition that can cause several short- and long-term effects. In the short term, it can lead to headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes. In the long term, it can cause more serious problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts.

There are several things that can contribute to digital eye strain. The most common is spending too much time looking at screens, whether it be computers, phones, or tablets. This is because the blue light emitted by these devices can actually damage the retina.

Digital eye strain is a real problem that can have serious consequences. However, by taking some simple precautions, you can help reduce your risk of developing this condition.

By following these simple tips, you can help protect yourself from digital eye strain. So, take a break, change your position, increase the text size, and reduce your screen time to help keep your eyes healthy.

Contact the eye doctors at Spindel Eye Associates in New Hampshire for more tips on treating digital eye strain and to receive care for your current symptoms!