Eye Health in Digital Era.

Eye Health in Digital Era.

          In today’s world, nearly every age of student and every type of occupation requires the use of smartphones, computers, tablets, and TVs. 


       We spend most of our waking moments with our eyes glued to a screen and while this online connection offers efficiency in our everyday lives, it can put undue stress and strain on our eyes. This was previously called computer vision syndrome or, more commonly known now as digital eye strain.

Digital Eye Strain

        Digital eye strain is a group of symptoms resulting from the use of computers and other digital devices. Nearly 60% of Americans notice some form of digital eye strain.

     Individuals may experience ocular dryness due to the fact that our blinks are often incomplete and our blink rate is reduced when in front of a screen. In fact, our blink rate is reduced to about one-third in comparison to natural blinks when otherwise not digitally engaged. Our eyes need a regular blink action in order to smooth tears over the front surface of the eye to keep it hydrated and our vision clear. By not blinking, the tears break up and evaporate into the air and the ocular surface becomes irregular which can lead to redness, burning, stinging, and intermittent blurred vision.


       The eye muscles needed to keep focused on a near object such as a phone or computer can also be affected with excess screen time. When the muscles get overworked or fatigued, a person may notice tired eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and even chronic neck and back pain due to straining. In some cases, these symptoms are a result of trigeminal dysphoria, which is ocular misalignment leading to a myriad of masquerading symptoms. Digital device use can exacerbate these symptoms and have a major impact on a person’s overall quality of life.  

The Digital Defence You Deserve

        Although we cannot completely cut the digital cord, so to speak, there are several changes you can make to protect your eyes from digital eye strain.

·      Practice good posture and create a more ergonomic work space. Your computer should be at least arm’s length distance away and positioned slightly below eye level to avoid tilting your head and neck backward.

·      Don’t forget to blink! Follow the 20-20-20 rule by looking at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes while looking at a screen. During these short breaks, give yourself a few full, forceful blinks to redistribute tears and give your eyes a rest.

·    Ask your doctor for recommendations for artificial tears to help supplement your natural tear film and mention any symptoms you’re having as you may have a form of ocular surface disease. (Link to Ocular Surface Disease page)

·       Be mindful of overhead lighting and position your screen to reduce glare.

·       Adjust your screen brightness to “warmer” or less “cool” background lighting. Many smartphones have night modes and automatic light adjustments depending on the ambient room lighting.

·       Avoid using digital devices for at least 2 hours before your bedtime.

·       Enlarge text size to allow less squinting.

·     All prescription glasses should have anti-reflective treatments that help block glare and reflections, especially from screens. Many types offer anti-reflective technology that also selectively absorbs blue light.

·     Limit screen time for children–this also helps you be more mindful of your screen   time as well!

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