Staring at screens for hours has become part of daily life, but many people notice dry eye, blurred vision, or headaches afterward. If these symptoms sound familiar, you might be experiencing digital eye strain. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of adults experiencing digital eye strain has jumped from around 50% to 78%.¹
Our experienced eye doctors in Mansfield, DeSoto, Fort Worth, and Cedar Hill can check your eyes and recommend strategies to reduce discomfort. In this blog, we explore digital eye strain, why it happens, and how to prevent and relieve symptoms so you can remain comfortable throughout the workday.
What is digital eye strain?
Digital eye strain, sometimes called computer vision syndrome, happens when your eyes get fatigued from prolonged screen use. Bright screens, small text, and glare can make your eyes work harder than usual. Symptoms of digital eye strain include¹:
- Dry, watery, itchy eyes
- A burning sensation
- Feeling like something is in your eyes
- Eye strain and fatigue
- Difficulty keeping your eyes open
- Increased light sensitivity
- Frequent headaches
- Blurred or double vision
- Neck and shoulder pain
If you spend hours on computers, phones, or tablets, you are at risk of developing digital eye strain, even if you’ve never had vision problems before.
How screen time affects your eyes
Long hours in front of a screen reduce how often you blink, which can lead to dry eyes and irritation. Holding devices too close or sitting in poor lighting can strain your eye muscles and cause headaches. Blue light from screens may also cause fatigue, and small amounts of visual stress can make it harder to stay focused and comfortable throughout the day.
How to prevent and relieve digital eye strain
Feeling worn out after long hours on screens is common, but there are ways to ease the strain and keep your eyes comfortable. Try these tips:
1. Rest your eyes
Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. These breaks relax your focusing muscles and reduce fatigue.
2. Optimize your workspace
Keep your screen at eye level and about 20–24 inches away. Adjust the lighting to cut down on glare or reflections, which makes it easier for your eyes to focus.
3. Manage dry eye
If your eyes feel dry or scratchy, use artificial tears or add a humidifier to your workspace. If your dry eye symptoms don’t improve, our eye doctors can suggest treatment to address the underlying causes.
4. Wear the right prescription
Digital eye strain can get worse if your glasses or contact lenses aren’t the right prescription. Wearing the correct prescription helps your eyes focus more easily and stay comfortable during long screen sessions.
You can also talk to your eye doctor about updating your lenses to better support your eyes during extended screen time. For example, blue light glasses can help reduce glare and fatigue during long work sessions.
5. Schedule routine eye exams
Regular comprehensive eye exams allow our eye doctors to update your prescription, detect early issues, and offer personalized tips for healthy screen habits.
Signs you might need professional care
You may need professional care for digital eye strain if symptoms persist despite self-care or if you notice any of the following:
- Persistent headaches after screen use
- Blurry or double vision
- Frequent eye rubbing or irritation
- Difficulty focusing or switching focus between near and far objects
- Chronic dry eye
Are you experiencing any of the symptoms listed above? Do your eyes constantly feel sore and tired after screen time? Schedule an appointment at one of our eye care centers and start feeling better soon!
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