Treatment
for Digital
Eye Strain

For many of us, modern-day life now includes hours each day staring at a computer, tablet, or smartphone screen. Unfortunately, staring at digital screens for hours at a time can cause uncomfortable symptoms associated with digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. Even if you’ve never experienced any eye or vision problems before, if you’re spending a lot of time in front of a screen, you may be suffering from the effects of digital eye strain.  

Symptoms of digital eye strain 

Digital eye strain is a common condition that can occur after spending long periods of time staring at screens, such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. Some of the symptoms of digital eye strain may include: 

• Blurry vision 
• Eye strain and discomfort 
• Headaches 
• Dry, scratchy eyes 
• Neck and/or shoulder pain 
• Fatigue 
• Difficulty focusing on close-up tasks 

These symptoms may be more pronounced if you already suffer from vision problems, such as astigmatism, farsightedness, or presbyopia. They may also be worse if you have poor lighting, glare from your screen, or an improper posture while using your computer. If left unchecked, these symptoms can worsen and lead to other vision issues.  

Treatment for digital eye strain 

The optometrists at Corinth Eye Clinic and Weeden Eye Clinic are here to help! We will take your symptoms, pre-existing conditions, and potential undiagnosed conditions into account during a thorough eye and vision exam. Testing will include the following:  

• Visual acuity to measure the quality of your current vision. 
• Refraction to test the potential lens prescriptions that would optimize your vision. 
• Focus and eye coordination to test how well your eyes work together and how quickly and accurately your eyes can focus on objects and varying distances. 
• Neurolens testing to determine whether eye misalignment could be the culprit behind your digital eye strain.  

Based on the results of these tests, we will design a treatment plan to help alleviate your symptoms. For many patients, specially designed glasses for use during computer work can be very effective. We also offer updated prescriptions for patients who already wear contacts or glasses.  

In addition to these treatment options, there are a few self-care techniques you can try to minimize eye strain: 

Adjust your computer setup 

Position your monitor about 15-20 degrees lower than eye level when seated 20-28 inches away from the screen. Use an anti-glare screen to reduce glare from surrounding lights and try to sit with proper posture. Place reference materials on a document holder between the monitor and keyboard or to the side, with minimal head movement required. 

Adjust lighting 

Reposition lighting or your computer to minimize glare and use natural light whenever possible. 

Take eye rest and blinking breaks 

Every 20 minutes during work, look away toward a distant point for 20 seconds to refocus your eyes. Take a 15-minute break after each 2-hour computer session, and remember to blink more frequently to keep your eyes moist. 

By combining proper optometry care with these self-care techniques, you can minimize the effects of digital eye strain and other modern vision problems. Contact Corinth Eye Clinic or Weeden Eye Clinic today to schedule an appointment.