With technology surrounding us throughout our daily activities, people are becoming more and more susceptible to digital eye strain. On average, Americans spend approximately 7 hours a day looking at a digital screen. The prolonged use of digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and e-readers leads to digital eye strain and continues to worsen as the amount of digital screen time increases.
Viewing a screen makes your eyes work harder and tends to make you more likely to develop vision-related problems. You may develop symptoms such as blurry vision, dry eyes, and headaches, even with prescription lenses. Viewing on a screen is different from reading on a page because:
- The contrast between the background and words is not as strong.
- The glare from computer screens can make reading more difficult.
- The letters on handheld devices and computer screens are not as defined or precise as printed letters.
- Viewing angles and distances are different.
Symptoms worsen with poor lighting, glares on screens, improper viewing distances, poor sitting posture, uncorrected vision problems, or a combination of any of these factors.
What can be done to combat digital eye strain?
- Get a thorough eye exam with emphasis on your daily requirements of digital screen usage.
- Consider getting lenses that are specifically designed for computer use.
- Take computer breaks throughout the day.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule; take a 20-second break to view something 20 feet away every 20 minutes.
- Try to blink frequently to minimize the chances of experiencing dry eyes.
- Research best sitting positions to reduce eye strain while working at a desk.
Prevention or reduction of the vision problems associated with Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) or digital eye strain involves taking steps to control lighting and glare on the device screen, establishing proper working distances and posture for screen viewing, and assuring that even minor vision problems are properly corrected.
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