Americans spend an average of almost seven hours every day online staring at computer screens on tablets, laptops, phones, and other electronic devices. That’s more than 17 years of your adult life.
With so much time spent gazing into a lighted surface, it’s not surprising that this particular habit leads to an increasingly common vision problem: digital eye strain. Also called computer vision syndrome, digital eye strain causes an array of symptoms, like dry eyes, irritation, redness, eye fatigue, and headaches.
Curtis Frank, OD, and our team at Vision and Ortho-K Center offer personalized treatment plans for patients with digital eye strain, relieving symptoms and preventing more serious complications in the future.
In this post, learn some simple steps you can take to prevent eye strain and keep your eyes healthy.
Taking breaks from staring at your screen is one of the best ways to prevent digital eye strain and to ease symptoms when they occur. The 20-20-20 rule reminds you to take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to focus on something 20 feet away. This simple routine relaxes your eye muscles and gives you time to blink and moisten your eyes, too.
Artificial tears can help lubricate your eyes if they start to sting and burn. Used properly, artificial tears help prevent dry eyes and the uncomfortable symptoms they can cause.
The key is to only use eye drops when Dr. Frank suggests them and to use the type of drops he recommends. Using drops too frequently can result in lower tear production in some people or even irritate your eyes over time.
Many screens cause light reflection and glare that can make eyes drier and more uncomfortable. If your screen is shiny and reflective, consider investing in a matte screen cover to make viewing easier on your eyes.
Keep your screen at roughly arm’s length and positioned slightly below your eye level. Maintaining a good distance and screen position minimizes glare, too, and it also prevents neck and shoulder strain.
Dim lights can exacerbate eye strain and emphasize the glare from your screen. Use soft, indirect lighting to make it easier for your eyes to focus and avoid harsh overhead or fluorescent lights that can make eye strain worse.
Digital eye strain isn’t just a nuisance. Without prompt care, digital eye strain can lead to vision problems and dry eye syndrome, which in turn can increase the risk of corneal damage and infections.
Having regular eye exams is a good way to catch problems early, so they can be treated and serious complications can be prevented. Plus, Dr. Frank can offer eye health tips based on your unique vision needs and lifestyle.
Clear vision and healthy eyes are easy to take for granted — until something goes wrong. Having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to keep your eyes healthy and to spot potential problems in their earliest stages so they can be treated.
To schedule your exam or to learn how we can help you combat the symptoms of digital eye strain, call to request an appointment with Dr. Frank at Vision and Ortho-K Center in Boston and Newton Upper Falls, Massachusetts.
