Computer eye strain, often referred to as digital eye strain, is a common condition impacting millions of people who spend extended hours on digital devices like computers, tablets, and smartphones. With technology becoming an integral part of work, education, and leisure, more individuals experience symptoms linked to prolonged screen time.
Below, our McKinney eye care team at Complete Family Eye Care dives into common symptoms of computer eye strain, effective ways to alleviate them, and how our eye care team can provide relief and help protect your vision.
Symptoms of Computer Eye Strain
Computer eye strain can cause symptoms such as dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, eye discomfort, and neck or shoulder pain. This condition occurs when your eyes struggle to keep up with the visual demands of digital screens over extended periods, especially in environments with inadequate lighting or poor posture.
For individuals who spend a significant portion of their day on digital devices, eye strain can become a persistent issue, impacting not only vision health but also overall well-being and productivity.
Causes of Computer Eye Strain, and What You Can Do.
1. Prolonged Focus on Digital Screens
Focusing on screens for long hours can be taxing for your eyes. Unlike printed text, digital screens have pixelated images, which can cause the eyes to work harder to maintain clear vision. This constant adjustment leads to strain and fatigue.
Following the 20-20-20 rule can help reduce symptoms. Every 20 minutes of screen time, look at an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
2. Lowered Blink Rate
When we focus intently on a screen, our blink rate also decreases. Blinking is essential for moistening the eyes, and reduced blinking can lead to dryness and irritation. Digital device users blink up to 66% less frequently, increasing the likelihood of dry eyes and discomfort.
Consciously reminding yourself to blink more often, especially during prolonged periods of device use will help keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
3. Poor Lighting and Glare
Poor ambient lighting or glare from screens can worsen eye strain. When screens are much brighter or dimmer than the surrounding environment, it creates a contrast that forces the eyes to work harder, leading to increased strain.
Adjust your screen settings to match the brightness of your surroundings. A comfortable contrast between text and background reduces eye strain and helps maintain visual comfort.
4. Poor Posture
Incorrect positioning of screens, poor desk ergonomics, and an unnatural body posture can all contribute to eye, neck, and shoulder discomfort. Holding devices too close or too far from your eyes also disrupts the natural focus, further contributing to strain.
Positioning your screen about 20-24 inches from your eyes, slightly below eye level can help reduce strain on your eyes and neck, encouraging a more comfortable posture.
How Our Eye Care Team Can Help
Our eye care team is dedicated to helping you find relief from computer eye strain and enhancing your visual comfort. We can assess your symptoms and work with you to develop a personalized strategy for relief. Some services we offer include:
Comprehensive Eye Exams
During an eye exam, we evaluate your vision needs and identify any underlying conditions contributing to eye strain. Our team can recommend corrective lenses or treatment options tailored to your specific needs.
Computer Glasses
For patients who spend significant time on digital devices, we can provide prescription or non-prescription eyewear optimized for screen use. These glasses can reduce glare, improve focus, and decrease blue light exposure, all of which contribute to more comfortable vision.
By following a few adjustments and working with our eye care team, you can significantly reduce the effects of computer eye strain and improve your overall comfort. Schedule an appointment with us to learn more.