According to the American Optometric Association, “Computer vision syndrome, also referred to as digital eye strain, describes a group of eye- and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader, and cell phone use.”
Digital Eye Strain results from our eyes being overworked by focusing and refocusing on screens for extended periods, often without proper rest or ergonomic conditions. Nowadays we are so focused on all our screens, even the television that we tend to forget about the hazards of the constant bombardment of those blue light emissions and glare on our eyesight. Any type of digital screen viewing makes the eyes work harder. If you take a minute and think about it, you probably experience some of the following symptoms on a regular basis. They may include:
- Eye discomfort or fatigue
- Blurred or double vision
- Dry, itchy, or red eyes
- Headaches
- Neck, shoulder, or back pain (often due to poor posture)
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating
- Feeling of heavy eyelids or tired eyes
Hazards of Digital Eye Strain
If left unaddressed, digital eye strain can have various short-term and long-term effects. You may experience reduced productivity if your eye discomfort makes it difficult to concentrate on tasks, especially those requiring prolonged attention to detail. There is also increased risk of chronic issues like tension headaches and neck or shoulder pain from poor posture. Some people may tilt their heads at odd angles or squint or bend toward the screen in order to see it clearly. Chronic dry eye conditions may develop over time. Exposure to blue light from screens, particularly before bedtime, can suppress melatonin production, disrupting sleep cycles and causing insomnia.
Even though digital eye strain doesn’t cause permanent vision loss, repeated stress on the eyes can result in long-term discomfort and the potential need for corrective lenses earlier than expected. Prolonged screen use often leads to poor ergonomic habits, increasing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome or chronic back pain.
Prevention of Digital Eye Strain
There are some simple ways to help the prevention of digital eye strain. The American Optometric Association suggests following the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Surely we can remember to do that. Also, adjusting the lighting around you to reduce screen glare and ensure adequate ambient lighting is something to consider. It is helpful to optimize screen settings, i.e., increase text size, adjust brightness, and use a blue light filter. There are options available for blue light filters in prescription eye glasses. And if we remember to blink often, we can help keep our eyes moist and prevent dryness. Ergonomics is a term that describes people in their working environment which can translate to keeping screens at eye level and maintaining a comfortable distance of about 20 to 24 inches away from the screens. Taking breaks even in addition to the 20-20 Rule can help tremendously. It is important to regularly step away from screens to rest both your eyes and your body.
Johnson Eye Care
Some of the visual symptoms might only be temporary and could decline after stopping the use of the digital devices. However, if you experience continued reduced visual abilities such as blurred distance vision or any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is time to make an appointment with Dr. Jennifer Johnson at Johnson Eye Care to rule out underlying conditions or discuss solutions like computer glasses. A comprehensive eye examination will put your mind at rest if conditions can be alleviated with proper care. Dr. Jennifer Johnson, a licensed Therapeutic Optometrist, will design a plan to treat your symptoms based on the root cause of the issue. Contact Johnson Eye Care today. We have office locations in Boerne and Fredericksburg to serve you.