In today’s world, screens are everywhere—computers, tablets, smartphones, and TVs are essential parts of our lives. While these devices are super convenient, they can also cause digital eye strain, a common issue that affects many people. At Overland Optical Family Eye Care in St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri, we’re here to help you protect your eyes and keep them healthy. Let’s talk about what digital eye strain is, its symptoms, and some easy ways to prevent it.
What is digital eye strain?
Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, happens when your eyes get tired from looking at screens for too long. This strain can be caused by screen glare, poor lighting, sitting too close to the screen, or not wearing the right prescription. When you spend a lot of time on your devices, your eyes have to work harder, which can lead to discomfort and fatigue.
Prolonged use of devices can lead to the following symptoms:
- Eye discomfort and fatigue
- Dry eyes
- Blurry vision
- Headaches
- Neck and shoulder pain
Tips to prevent digital eye strain
At Overland Optical Family Eye Care, we want to help you keep your eyes comfortable and strain-free. Here are some tips to protect your eyes:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This helps your eyes relax and refocus.
- Adjust your screen settings: Lower the brightness and increase the contrast to make viewing easier. A matte screen filter can also help reduce glare.
- Optimize your workspace: Position your screen about an arm’s length away and slightly below eye level. Make sure your workspace is well-lit to cut down on glare and reflections.
- Use proper lighting: Avoid using screens in a dark room. Use ambient lighting that matches your screen’s brightness to reduce eye strain.
- Blink often: Remember to blink more frequently to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
- Wear digital eyewear: Blue light-blocking glasses or lenses can reduce glare and filter out harmful blue light from screens. Our practice offers BluTech Lenses and Recharge Lenses from Hoya to help protect your eyes from harmful blue light. They help reduce eye fatigue, blurry vision, and headaches associated with digital eye strain. When you come in for an eye exam, ask our eye doctor if blue light blocking glasses are right for you!
- Take regular breaks: Stand up, stretch, and move around every hour to give your eyes and body a break from screen time.
Digital eye strain is a common issue, but with the right strategies and support, you can protect your eyes and keep your vision clear and comfortable. At Overland Optical Family Eye Care, we offer comprehensive eye exams in St. Charles and St. Louis and personalized advice to help you manage and prevent digital eye strain. We also have a great selection of eyewear, including blue light-blocking lenses, to help reduce digital eye strain and protect your eyes. Whether you need prescription glasses or special lenses, our team is here to make sure you get the best care possible. Schedule an appointment with us today, and let’s keep your eyes happy and healthy!