How To Relieve Eye Strain When Using Digital Devices

Spending long hours in front of digital devices can impact eye health. Whether you're working from home or preparing for back-to-school season, reducing eye strain can improve your daily comfort and productivity. Here’s what you need to know.

What Causes Eye Strain?

Eye strain occurs when your eyes become fatigued from extended use. It is particularly common with the frequent use of computers, tablets, and smartphones. Phaedra Lipsey, OD, Optometrist at McFarland Eye Center, notes that some medical conditions, such as the need for glasses, farsightedness, or natural aging changes, can also contribute to eye strain. Additionally, medications that dry out the eyes, like allergy medicines, may worsen the issue.

Common Symptoms of Eye Strain

The symptoms of eye strain vary, but common signs include:

• Tired, red, or burning eyes
• Frequent headaches, especially after long periods of screen use

If you experience these symptoms regularly, it may indicate that your eyes are overworked or that a medical condition is contributing to the discomfort.

Why Is Eye Strain More Common in the Workplace?

Many jobs today require extensive computer use. Office environments, lighting, and the way workspaces are set up can all contribute to increased eye strain. Poor ergonomics, bright lights, glare on a digital screen, or even workplace stress can intensify these symptoms.

How Do Digital Devices Cause Eye Strain?

When you use a computer or other digital devices, you blink less often, which leads to dry eyes, redness, and burning. Staring at a screen for extended periods can also force the eyes to work harder, increasing fatigue.

How to Prevent and Reduce Eye Strain

Talk to Your Eye Doctor

If you're experiencing persistent eye strain, consult with your eye doctor. “An eye doctor can rule out underlying conditions that may be causing your eye strain and suggest treatments,” says Dr. Lipsey This step ensures that you're addressing any medical issues that could be contributing to your discomfort.

Consider Using Computer Glasses

Specialized computer glasses can help reduce eye strain. Several types of lenses are available, depending on your needs:

• Single vision glasses: Optimized for computer use only.
• Office lenses: Designed to focus on both the computer screen and nearby objects like papers on a desk.

In addition, anti-reflective coatings and blue-light filters can minimize glare and screen-related strain. Consult your doctor or optician to determine the best options for you.

Blink More Frequently and Close Your Eyes

Frequent blinking can help combat dry eyes. Dr. Lipsey recommends closing your eyes for 5-15 seconds every 15 minutes while using any screen. This simple practice can make a big difference in reducing dryness and fatigue.

Take Regular Breaks

Looking away from your screen periodically helps relieve eye strain. The 20-20-20 rule recommends that every 20 minutes you should look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Try looking out a window or at a distant object in the room to shift your eyes’ focus. Changing focal distances allows your eyes to relax and prevents overworking them.