Digital eye fatigue. Computer vision syndrome. Screen time eyestrain.
Whatever you call it, extended screen time is hard on the eyes. And now that school is back in session, more people—of all ages—are susceptible to this type of eyestrain.
Don’t automatically blame new eye pain or vision changes on your computer, however. A comprehensive eye exam is necessary to identify all the factors contributing to your symptoms.
When we spend a lot of time in front of screens, our eyes work harder than usual. This causes the eyes to grow tired, partly because we blink less often than normal. Prolonged computer, cell phone, and tablet use all contribute to the buildup of eye strain.
According to The Vision Council, the use of digital devices has increased in the home, workplace, and classroom. More than 83 percent of Americans say they use digital devices for more than two hours each day, and 60 percent report having symptoms of digital eye fatigue.
Common symptoms of digital eyestrain include:
The 20-20-20 rule is an easy way to give your eyes regular breaks while working on the computer for long periods. Every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break to look at something 20 feet away.
In addition to the 20-20-20 rule, these strategies can help alleviate screen time eyestrain:
Finally, take frequent breaks during your workday. Get up, move around, and stretch at least once an hour, if possible. Your eyes—and the rest of your body—will thank you.
Most of the time, computer vision syndrome symptoms are temporary and improve when you step away from the screen. However, experiencing severe digital eye fatigue could mean that you have an uncorrected vision problem, such as astigmatism or farsightedness. If it’s been a while since your last eye exam, excessive digital eyestrain could be a sign that your corrective lens prescription needs adjusting.
If you’re noticing symptoms related to digital eye fatigue and you’re in the Chattanooga area, call or text us at (423) 855-8522 to make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam. We can determine whether your symptoms are caused by computer vision syndrome or another issue. Our Covid-19 safety measures are still in place to protect our valued patients.