Digital Eye Strain Management

Keeping Your Eyes Comfortable in a Digital World

Digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome, refers to a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged digital device use. If you use a computer, tablet, or smartphone for extended amounts of time without adequate breaks, you may develop uncomfortable symptoms. However, they can be avoided!

The average American worker spends 7 hours a day on a computer, so it’s crucial to develop good usage habits to avoid discomfort. If you’re getting frequent headaches or sore eyes, it may be time to evaluate your workspace and how you’re using your devices!


Digital Eye Strain Management in Spanish Fort, AL | Perspective Eye Center

Causes & Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain

Digital eye strain is entirely preventable and is generally caused by poor usage habits or inadequate viewing distances. Symptoms are most often exacerbated by poor lighting, glare on a screen, poor posture, uncorrected vision problems, or any combination of these factors.

If you have symptoms of digital eye strain, you’ll begin to notice:

  • Sore eyes

  • Headaches

  • Blurred vision

  • Dry eyes

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Neck and shoulder pain

Avoiding Digital Eye Strain

Making changes to your daily habits and attending regular comprehensive eye exams are the most effective ways to prevent digital eye strain. If you have an uncorrected refractive error, like myopia or hyperopia, and use digital devices regularly, your eyes will have to work harder than usual. This can cause them to tire quickly, leading to symptoms of digital eye strain. Visiting the optometrist regularly to ensure your prescription is up to date can help combat this.

If you regularly use a computer, proper body positioning can make a significant difference in your long-term comfort. Some critical factors to consider when preventing digital eye strain include:

  • Keeping your computer screen an arm’s length away, around 15 to 20 degrees below eye level.

  • Avoiding any glare by positioning your screen away from any light sources, like fluorescent lights or windows

  • Using an anti-glare screen protector if you can’t avoid glare

  • Sitting upright in a chair with your back straight and your feet flat on the floor


Keep Your Eyes Happy

It’s also important to take regular rest breaks. The 20-20-20 rule is a great rule to follow. It recommends taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes of continuous work to focus on something 20 feet away, giving your eyes a chance to rest and refocus.

Also, remember to blink! Studies have shown when using digital devices, we are prone to blink much less than usual. Blinking helps to minimize the chances of developing dry eye by keeping the front surface of the eye moist.


We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding digital eye strain and your comfort. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!


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