How Serious Is Digital Eyestrain?

Digital eyestrain is a condition commonly affecting people who use computers and other digital devices. It occurs when the eyes are tired from intense use. The condition is annoying but is rarely severe. Resting the eyes usually helps reduce discomfort. Some treatments can help relieve digital eyestrain. Sometimes, eyestrain can be a symptom of an underlying eye or health condition. 

Experiencing Digital Eyestrain
 

Digital eyestrain (DES) occurs due to the prolonged use of digital devices. The level of discomfort usually increases or reduces with the duration of digital device use. Many individuals spend seven to eight hours a day on the computer. It has led to the prevalence of eye issues, including DES. Taking regular breaks when using your computer can reduce the symptoms of digital strain. 

Causes of Digital Eyestrain

Digital devices have unique characteristics that require taxing visual demands. Reading a document on the computer differs from reading it on a printed page. The letters are less precise or defined on the screen. There is less contrast between the background and letters. 

Viewing digital devices causes the eyes to work harder. The screens produce reflections and glare that affects viewing. It increases the risk of developing vision-related issues. Uncorrected vision issues increase the severity of DES. 

Symptoms of Digital Eyestrain

There are several symptoms associated with DES. They include:
 

• Severe eyestrain

• Headaches

• Blurry vision

• Dry eyes

People with DES also experience neck and shoulder pain. The symptoms usually increase after spending prolonged hours on the computer. DES symptoms often occur when the visual demands of the activity exceed the individual’s visual abilities.  

How Serious Is Digital Eyestrain?

DES symptoms are worsened by poor lighting, glare, poor posture, improper viewing distance, and uncorrected vision issues. The severity of symptoms varies with the users’ visual abilities. 

Digital device use affects eye movement and eye focusing. Having vision difficulties or uncorrected vision issues affects comfort when using digital devices. It is essential to use lenses with an updated prescription. Vision changes due to aging can also lead to eyestrain when using the computer.

Treatment of Digital Eyestrain

There are several treatment options for DES. In most cases, changes in digital device use can alleviate the symptoms. Viewing the screen from the correct distance, using adequate lighting, and using anti-glare screens can help. 

Changing your eyeglass or updating your contact lens prescription can improve computer viewing. Special lenses designed for digital device viewing can help reduce eyestrain. Your eye doctor can recommend the correct lens designs, power, or coating for your eyeglasses. 

Some eye issues cannot be corrected using eyeglasses or contacts. If you experience eye coordination or focusing issues, you can benefit from vision therapy or visual training. A vision therapist can recommend visual activities or exercises that can help improve your viewing abilities. The exercises can improve eye focusing, teaming, and eye movement. They strengthen the connection between the eyes and the brain. 

For more on how serious digital eyestrain is, visit Primary Vision Care at our Newark, Lancaster, Mount Vernon, Wilmington, or Waynesville, Ohio offices. Call (740) 299-1155, (740) 654-9909, (740) 393-6010, (937) 382-4933, or (513) 897-2211 to schedule an appointment.