How to Know If You Have Digital Eyestrain

Did you know that digital eyestrain is relatively common in children and adults?

Digital eyestrain is a series of eye problems that cause your eyes to feel dry, itch, tear, or become red. It is common for your eyes to feel tired, and it may compromise your ability to focus. This type of digital eyestrain happens when you use digital devices like computers and tablets for long periods. It results from the extended use of smartphones and e-readers.

In the past few decades, the frequency of digital eyestrain has increased as digital devices have become commonplace at work and in our homes. The symptoms of digital eyestrain do not last for long, and they go away when you rest your eyes.

Digital Eyestrain, What Causes It?

According to studies, it is easier for the eyes to read text from paper than on a screen. Therefore, you do not get digital eyestrain from reading books. Several factors about a computer screen contribute to digital eyestrain. They are:
 

• Poorly lighted screen
   

• Glare from the screen
   

• Wrong distance or angle while using the screen
   

• Having poor posture when using the screen
   

• Underlying visual problems

It is common for the blink rate to go down when using a computer screen. A low blink rate can cause dry eye, sometimes associated with digital eyestrain.

When Are You at Risk of Digital Eyestrain?

You are predisposed to have digital eyestrain if:
 

• You use your computer at a very close distance.
   

• When you spend many hours in front of a screen.
   

• If you have vision issues that are not corrected, use a digital device.
   

• If you do not take breaks while working.
   

• Your glasses are not optimized for digital screen glare.
   

• If you have dry eyes.

Symptoms of Digital Eyestrain

Digital eyestrain causes various symptoms, and it all depends on how long you use a digital device. It can cause blurred vision, double vision, dry eyes, and eye discomfort. Prolonged digital device use causes eye fatigue, redness, itching, tearing, and headaches.

Shoulder and neck pain may also accompany digital eyestrain. Most of these symptoms tend to subside when you rest your eyes. Others, however, may persist for a bit longer than others.

Diagnosis of Digital Eyestrain

The eye doctor at Brandon Eyes will utilize your medical history, habits, and eye exam to make a diagnosis. They will observe whether there are any underlying visual problems or other factors contributing to your symptoms. They will also test the sharpness of vision and eye teaming. They might dilate your pupils to look at the back of your eye.

They might request blood tests, so you might need a follow-up visit. All these tests are to rule out the possibility of additional factors causing extra strain on your eyes.

How to Treat Digital Eyestrain

The best treatment and prevention for digital eyestrain is building a better environment to work. You should have digital devices at a safe distance and take breaks when working. You can use the 20-20-20 rule: Work for 20 minutes, then look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

For more on knowing if you have digital eyestrain, visit Brandon Eyes at our office in Middleton or Madison, Wisconsin. You can also call (608) 833-7256 or (608) 833-0301 to book an appointment today.