Your Guide to Digital Eye Strain Symptoms
The average US adult will spend a whopping 44 years of their lifetime staring at screens. This is hardly surprising when you consider that most jobs involve at least some computer use. On top of this, many of us rely on digital media or television to relax, giving our eyes little time to rest throughout the day.
This kind of continued screen use can cause digital eye strain. While this condition isn’t serious and only temporary, digital eye strain symptoms can be uncomfortable to experience.
But what are the signs that you may have digital eye strain? And what can you do to relieve these symptoms? Let’s take a look!
Recognizing the Causes and Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain
Digital or computer eye strain can cause a range of different symptoms. But what is digital eye strain like to experience? Some signs include:
- Tired eyes
- Headaches
- Eye discomfort
- Watery eyes
- Dry, red, or burning eyes
- Blurred or double vision
- Difficulty refocusing the eyes
- Sensitivity to bright lights
You’re more likely to experience these symptoms of digital eye strain if you look at a screen for two or more hours in a row every day. This is because people focusing on a digital device for long periods blink less often. Blinking is essential for moistening the eyes so this is why your eyes can become dry and irritated after continuous screen use.
Other factors that can lead to computer eye strain include screen glare or viewing screens from less than ideal angles or distances. Poor contrast between the text and background on the screen itself may cause extra strain on your eyes. And, uncorrected vision problems can also have an impact.
How to Find Digital Eye Strain Relief
Now I know the symptoms, what should I do I if have digital eye strain?
While some people swear by blue light glasses for helping with computer eye strain, there’s little evidence to suggest that they actually help. That said, although you may not need corrective lenses for other activities, glasses prescribed for computer use may be helpful. What’s more, if you already wear glasses, you may find that your current prescription is not optimal for viewing a computer screen.
A key method for managing the symptoms of eye strain is to follow the 20-20-20 rule. This involves turning away from your screen to focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds after every 20 minutes of screen use.
You may also find it helpful to apply eye drops at regular intervals while using a computer. And, feel free to alter the contrast, brightness, text size, and other settings on your computer to ensure more comfortable screen viewing.
Your Guide to Common Digital Eye Strain Symptoms
With our reliance on screens for everything from work to socializing to entertainment, you’ve no doubt experienced several of these digital eye strain symptoms at some point.
But, with this information on the symptoms of computer eye strain to guide you, it should now be a lot easier to avoid the discomfort of this common condition.
Want more trending stories and top tips? Be sure to check out our other blog posts for all the latest advice and news!
