Working at home is a great way to ditch your commute and enjoy more flexible hours, but there can be an unexpected consequence — digital eye strain. If you're like many workers, you probably spend most of your day on a computer or other digital device, and likely experience headaches, blurred vision, sore eyes, or an achy back.

What Is Digital Eye Strain?

Digital eye strain, also called computer vision syndrome (CVS), affects an estimated 70% of adults, especially those between the ages of 18 and 34. The eye strain results from extended hours focusing on a computer screen and may be worsened by hours of exposure to blue light, which is high-energy visible light emitted by digital screens.

Blue light can cause short-term eye strain and discomfort, and scientists are researching whether it could also be linked to serious eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Moreover, staring at a screen causes people to blink up to 66% less often. Blinking is essential as it hydrates your eyes and stimulates the release of oil from the tiny glands in your eyelids, preventing tears from evaporating too quickly and drying out the eyes.

Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain

• Blurry vision
• Eye soreness
• Headaches and dry eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Neck, back, and shoulder pain

How Can I Prevent Digital Eye Strain?

Take Breaks

Make sure to take frequent breaks that don't require screen time. Consider adopting the 20/20/20 habit: every 20 minutes you spend in front of a screen, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This prevents overstraining your eyes and encourages you to blink more.

Adjust Screen Brightness

Bright screens place a significant burden on your eyes. Simply adjusting your screen's brightness to match the light levels in your surrounding environment can help rest your eyes.

See Your Eye Doctor

If you spend prolonged periods in front of a screen, it's important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Dayton Optometric Center. Your eye doctor can discuss whether you would benefit from lubricating eye drops or a pair of computer glasses that reduce glare and filter out blue light. Call us at (937) 228-2020 in Kettering, Ohio.