Digital Eye Strain

What is Digital Eye Strain?

Digital Eye Strain, also called Computer Vision Syndrome, is a well-known condition that has been around for many years. It describes the various eye- and vision-related problems that can arise from staring at a digital device for hours at a time. Digital Eye Strain can cause eye soreness and/or irritation. Depending on the individual, these symptoms may be temporary or linger over time.

What causes Digital Eye Strain?

Because human eyes aren’t designed to focus closely on two-dimensional images for long periods, issues related to eye strain can develop from looking at any screen for an extended length of time.

This includes focusing on a screen you may use for school, work, shopping and entertainment, such as a:

• Computer
• Laptop
• Tablet
• Phone
• TV

Over the years, there has been an increase in the use of digital devices across all age groups.

What are the symptoms of Digital Eye Strain?

The symptoms of Digital Eye Strain can occur in both adults and children. Of particular concern, is the increased risk of developing or worsening dry eye and myopic changes (short-sightedness).

Common symptoms of Digital Eye Strain include:

• Dry eye symptoms, such as gritty, red, itchy, sore, stinging or watery eyes
• Feeling self-conscious about having red eyes
• Trouble wearing contact lenses
• Blurry and fluctuating vision
• Sensitivity to light and glare
• Eye fatigue
• Headaches
• Increasing short-sightedness (myopic shift)
• Trouble concentrating and sleeping (related to increased blue-light exposure)
• Mood changes and depression.

Can you prevent or treat Digital Eye Strain?

The best way to avoid Digital Eye Strain is to reduce your screen time and frequently direct your eyes towards a non-digital task or activity. However, as many aspects of our modern life rely on focusing on a digital device, it can be difficult to limit your screen use. You can help prevent and manage Digital Eye Strain by changing some of your screen-usage habits.

1. Use the 20-20-20 rule

• For every 20 minutes that you use a digital device, take a 20 second break to look at objects 20 feet (6 metres) away.
• You can even set a timer at 20 minutes, so you don’t forget to take a break.
• Take a look at our 20-20-20 rule video here.

2. Make some changes to your work area

• Position your screen so it’s at least an arm’s length away from you. The further away the screen is from you the better.
• If you’re working late, turn on your device’s blue light filter (night shift).
• Dim the brightness on your screen and use dark mode.
• Increase your screen’s font size so you’re not struggling to see.

3. Follow some healthy, happy eye habits

• Remember to blink regularly.
• Keep some lubricating eye drops handy to help with dry eyes.
• Where possible, swap a digital activity for an audio one (e.g. take a regular phone call over a digital phone call).

Another way to improve your comfort when using a digital device is to address any underlying refractive errors (a refractive error occurs when light rays are not focused on the retina correctly due to the shape of the eye).¹ This may be particularly important for individuals with astigmatism or presbyopia.¹

Depending on factors such as severity, a person’s age and lifestyle, refractive errors can be improved with glasses and contact lenses, or treated with laser eye surgery or refractive lens exchange. However, despite correction with glasses, contact lenses or laser eye surgery, continued excessive screen use can still cause eye strain.

It is important to note that, although digital devices will continue to play a major role in our modern lives, there are tips, tricks and treatments that can help you manage eye strain.

Useful links:

• From the COVID-19 pandemic emerges an increase in Digital Eye Strain complaints
• Dry eye
• The 20-20-20 rule poster