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Digital eye strain is a common issue for people who spend hours at a time looking at their computer screens, tablet, smartphone, or other digital devices. While screens don’t cause permanent damage, extended use can lead to discomfort that affects productivity and quality of life.
Since screens are an important part of everyday life, it’s important to choose eyewear that helps you stay comfortable during prolonged screen time. Keep reading to learn more about why digital eye strain occurs, how the right eyewear can help, and some additional tips for using screens more comfortably.
The Basics of Digital Eye Strain
Digital eye strain, sometimes called computer vision syndrome, is a type of eye strain that occurs as a result of looking at a screen for long periods of time. It can result in:
- Eye fatigue or tired eyes
- Dry, irritated, or watery eyes
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Difficulty refocusing after looking away from the screen
- Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort caused by poor posture
There are a few reasons why digital eye strain occurs. First, people blink less frequently while using digital devices, increasing the risk of visual fatigue. Additionally, improper viewing distance, too-bright screens, small font sizes, and prolonged focusing are all known to cause eye strain. Poor lighting and workstation ergonomics can make symptoms worse, as can uncorrected vision issues like nearsightedness or farsightedness.
How The Right Eyewear Can Help
Whether you wear prescription glasses or have 20/20 vision, the right eyewear can help you avoid digital eye strain and use your devices more comfortably.
Blue light filtering lenses are designed to filter out some of the blue light emitted by digital screens — the light that’s most responsible for eye strain. While they may not relieve symptoms for everyone, many people have reported improved visual comfort. Additionally, anti-reflective lens coatings minimize reflections from screens and overhead lighting, improving visual comfort.
If your vision needs correction, ensuring your eyewear has the proper prescription can make a big difference, as well. When you don’t have to strain to make out fine details, your eyes won’t have to work as hard, resulting in less overall discomfort.
Even if you don’t need glasses or contacts in your everyday life, wearing non-prescription glasses with blue light filtering lenses and an anti-reflective coating while using your devices can help reduce digital eye strain.
Tips for Reducing Digital Eye Strain Beyond Eyewear
In addition to the right eyewear, you can make lifestyle changes and build healthy habits to help you avoid digital eye strain, such as:
- Following the 20-20-20 rule: While working at your computer or looking at your phone, get in the habit of looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
- Blink more often: Try to blink more often to keep the eyes lubricated.
- Adjust screen position: Adjust your computer monitor so that you don’t have to crane your neck to look at it and make sure it’s at least 20 inches away from your face.
- Optimize lighting: Reduce glare on the screen from windows and overhead lighting.
- Increase text size: Larger fonts are easier to read, helping reduce unnecessary eye strain.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking lots of water throughout the day supports healthy tear production and helps prevent dry eyes.
Prevent Digital Eye Strain with Vision Solutions from Wolcott Optical
At Wolcott Optical, we’re committed to helping our customers find optical solutions that help them avoid digital eye strain. If you’re tired of dealing with tired eyes, tension headaches, and other uncomfortable symptoms, come visit our store and explore options that fit your lifestyle and visual needs.
