The use of digital devices has increased dramatically in recent years. In fact, the average American adult now spends over 10 hours a day looking at screens.
This increase in screen time has led to a corresponding increase in the incidence of digital eye strain.
Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome (CVS), is a group of eye and vision problems that can occur with prolonged use of digital devices. Symptoms of digital eye strain can include:
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Dry eyes
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Fatigue
Digital eye strain is caused by the way our eyes work when we look at digital screens. When we look at a digital screen, our eyes have to constantly focus and refocus on the small text and images.
This can put a strain on our eye muscles and lead to the symptoms of digital eye strain. Digital eye strain is not a serious condition, but it can be uncomfortable and make it difficult to see.
There are a number of things that you can do to reduce your risk of developing digital eye strain. These include:
- Taking breaks. Every 20-30 minutes, take a 20-second break to look away from the screen and focus on something in the distance.
- Adjusting the brightness and contrast. Make sure that the brightness and contrast of your screen are set to comfortable levels.
- Using a blue light filter. Blue light from digital screens can contribute to digital eye strain. Using a blue light filter can help to reduce the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes.
- Getting regular eye exams. If you are experiencing symptoms of digital eye strain, it is important to see an eye doctor to rule out any underlying eye problems.
If you are experiencing symptoms of digital eye strain, it is important to take steps to reduce your screen time and take breaks throughout the day.