Digital Eye Strain: Symptoms, Causes, Preventions
Digital eye strain is a frequent ailment that develops when your eyes grow weary from prolonged use, such as long-distance driving or looking at computer screens or other digital devices.
It’s inconvenient to suffer from digital eyestrain. However, it is generally minimal and goes away as you rest your eyes or take other steps to alleviate your eye discomfort.
In rare cases, initial symptoms of eyestrain may indicate an underlying eye illness that necessitates treatment.
Digital Eye Strain Symptoms
Computer vision syndrome symptoms include the following:
- Sore, tired, aching, or itchy eyes
- Wet or dry eyes
- Double sight or blurry vision
- Headache, neck, shoulder, or back discomfort
- Light intolerance has increased
- Difficulties concentrating
- Difficulties keeping your eyes open
Digital Eye Strain Causes
The most common causes of eyestrain include:
- Observing digital device displays without pausing to rest your eyes
- Driving long distances and participating in other activities that require long-lasting mental focus
- Being revealed to direct sunlight or glare
- Trying hard to see in low light
- Having an innate eye condition, such as dry eyes or impaired vision
Digital Eye Strain Diagnosis
Your eye care expert will make a diagnosis based on health history and computer vision syndrome tests. They will evaluate whether any medical conditions, medicines, or environmental factors are causing your symptoms.
Your eye doctor may evaluate the quality of your vision as well as the ability of your eyes to concentrate and work together. For a more comprehensive examination, your provider may choose to dilate (enlarge) your pupils. They will next inspect the back of your eye using a device known as an ophthalmoscope. In some instances, you would require further blood tests to rule out any medical concerns causing your digital eye discomfort.
Digital Eye Strain Treatment
Treatment includes making the workplace a more pleasant place to work.
- Take at least 15 minutes to rest your eyes after every 2 hours of computer or digital device use.
- Every 20 minutes, check the distance of at least 20 feet from the computer or digital device. Continue for twenty seconds.
- Enlarge the text on your device.
- Reducing glare from light sources in your environment.
- Think about using a screen glare filter.
- Adjust your screen so that the centre is 4 to 5 inches below eye level (about 15 to 20 degrees from the horizontal).
- Keep your screen at a distance of 20 to 28 inches from your eyes. (Approximately the length of one arm.)
- Don’t forget to blink frequently.
- Making these adjustments may help many individuals reduce digital eye strain
- In addition, your eye doctor will need to treat any underlining health concerns that may be adding to your digital eye strain. For example, you could require a new pair of eyeglasses. If you have an inherent dry eye condition, your eye doctor may advise you to perform the following:
- Using lubricant droplets
- Treat allergies first
- Increasing workplace humidity
- Increasing fluid intake (keeping hydrated)
- Using prescription medicine to increase tear production
How to protect my eyes from digital eye strain?
Enhance your work environment to reduce digital eye strain. If you use glasses or corrective lenses, consult an eye doctor for a checkup at least once a year or as advised. In addition, you should see your doctor regularly. This might help in the prevention and management of health problems that lead to digital eye strain.
Important information regarding digital eye strain
- It is a group of eye and vision issues caused by extended computer or digital device use.
- Symptoms include eye discomfort and fatigue, as well as dry eyes, impaired vision, and headaches.
- Uncorrected visual problems have a big role.
- Unrecognized health conditions might occasionally contribute to it.
- A better computer work environment may help with symptom relief.
- One of the most effective ways to avoid and treat digital eye strain is to rest your eyes regularly.
Next actions
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit to your healthcare provider:
- Know why you’re there and what you want to happen.
- Before your visit, make a list of the questions you want to be answered.
- Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your healthcare provider says.
- Take down the names of any new diagnoses and any new drugs, treatments, or tests during the visit. Keep a record of any new instructions you get from your healthcare provider.
- Recognize why a new medicine or therapy has been prescribed for you and how it will benefit you. Also, be mindful of any potential negative consequences.
- Connect to a top eye care specialist via Marham.