Guide to Digital Eye Strain Management

Spending excessive time staring at a screen is common for most of us. From computers to cell phones, the average screen time for adults in the US is a whopping 7 hours and 3 minutes!  

So, it should come as no surprise that digital eye strain affects many of us. It causes a variety of symptoms ranging from blurred vision to headaches and other physical aches and pains. 

Managing Digital Eye Strain in a Connected World

• Recognizing the symptoms of digital eye strain
• The importance of a diagnosis
• Managing digital eye strain

Recognizing the symptoms of digital eye strain

Digital eye strain has a range of symptoms. Some of these affect your vision—others manifest in other ways.

They include:

• Sore eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
• Dry eyes
• Watering eyes
• The feeling that you can’t keep your eyes open
• Headache
• Brain fog (Inability to concentrate)
• Sore neck and shoulders

The importance of a diagnosis

While it might be tempting to self-diagnose digital eye strain, it’s vital to get a professional opinion. Many of the above symptoms can also be a sign of other problems. Some, such as short-sightedness or astigmatism, can often be easily remedied with visual aids (eyeglasses, contact lenses, or even laser vision correction).

However, they could potentially be a sign of something more serious that only an eye test can pick up.

Managing digital eye strain

There are seven easy steps to help reduce the symptoms of eye strain:

1. Limit and regulate your screen time: Even if your job requires a large proportion of time on a computer, it’s important to take regular breaks. Follow the 20:20:20 rule—take a break every 20 minutes, lasting at least 20 seconds, and looking at least 20 feet away. While adults can self-regulate, be sure to monitor children to ensure they too have regular screen breaks.
2. Consider the lighting: Turn down screen brightness—but not so low that you struggle to see it. This also applies to watching TV and when using your cell phone.
3. Improve the air quality: We often sit in air-conditioned offices or rooms—an environment that draws moisture from the eyes. Adding a humidifier can help reduce dry eyes. Try not to sit directly in the stream of blown air, as this can further exacerbate symptoms.
4. Use artificial tears:  Over-the-counter products can be extremely helpful in keeping your eyes lubricated. Be sure to buy ones that don’t contain preservatives. Use them regularly, even when your eyes don’t feel dry. However, refrain from those that reduce redness, as the chemicals they contain can make eye conditions worse.
5. Increase type size and use visual aids: Don’t struggle to read screen copy that’s too small. Adjust the font to a size that you can read easily. If you’ve been prescribed eyeglasses or contact lenses for close-up work, be sure to use them
6. Have regular eye checks: See your eye doctor for regular checks. They will adjust your prescription as needed—something that plays a huge role in reducing the symptoms of eye strain. Be sure to tell them if you notice any worsening signs that you feel are connected to screen time.

Worried About Digital Eye Strain? Contact the West Boca Eye Center Today

It can’t be overstressed how important it is to get a professional diagnosis. The symptoms of digital eye strain are also similar to a range of other, sometimes more serious, conditions. The professionals at the WBEC will carry out a series of tests to check for other conditions. Once these are ruled out, it allows you to safely put in place methods to manage screen time. 

However, if there is another underlying problem, it’s essential to pick this up as early as possible.

Visit https://www.westbocaeyecenter.com/ to discover more and call our friendly team to book an appointment.

Spending excessive time staring at a screen is common for most of us. From computers to cell phones, the average screen time for adults in the US is a whopping 7 hours and 3 minutes! 

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