Digital eye strain is a frequent ailment that happens when your eyes become weary from prolonged use, such as driving long distances or looking at computer screens or other digital devices.
Digital eyestrain is an annoyance. However, it is typically not significant and goes away after you rest your eyes or take other measures to alleviate your eye discomfort. Signs and symptoms of eyestrain may suggest an underlying eye disease that requires treatment in some situations.
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Digital Eye Strain Symptoms
Among the indications of Computer vision syndrome symptoms, the following are included.
- Eyes that are sore, weary, stinging, or itching.
- Eyes that are wet or dry.
- Double eyesight or hazy vision.
- Headache.
- Neck, shoulder, or back pain.
- Light sensitivity has increased.
- Concentration problems.
- You’re having trouble keeping your eyes open.
Digital Eye Strain Causes
The following are some of the most common causes of eyestrain:
- Examining the displays of digital devices.
- Reading without taking a break to rest your eyes.
- Driving long distances and engaging in other activities that require prolonged concentration.
- Being exposed to direct sunlight or glare.
- Struggling to see in low light.
- Having an underlying eye condition, such as dry eyes or poor eyesight (refractive error).
- Being worried or exhausted.
- Being subjected to dry moving air from a fan, heating, or cooling system.
Digital Eye Strain Diagnosis
With a health history and computer vision syndrome tests, your eye care professional will establish a diagnosis. They will determine if any health issues, medications, or environmental factors are contributing to your symptoms.
Your eye doctor may examine the clarity of your vision and how well your eyes concentrate and function together. Your provider may wish to dilate (enlarge) your pupils for a more thorough check. They will next examine the back of your eye using an instrument called an ophthalmoscope. In certain instances, you may need to undergo follow-up blood testing for medical issues that may be contributing to your digital eye strain.
What is the treatment for digital eye strain?
Treatment involves making the workplace a better place to work.
- After every 2 hours of computer or digital device usage, take at least 15 minutes to rest your eyes.
- Examine the distance at least 20 feet away from the computer or digital gadget every 20 minutes. Repeat for at least 20 seconds.
- Increase the size of the text on your computer screen or digital device.
- Reduce glare from light sources in your surroundings.
- Consider using a screen glare filter.
- Position your screen so that the middle is 4 to 5 inches below eye level (about 15 to 20 degrees from the horizontal).
- Place your screen 20 to 28 inches away from your eyes.
- (About the length of one arm.)
- Remember to blink often.
- Adjust the height of your chair so that your feet may rest comfortably on the floor. Don’t sag in front of the computer.
- Making these adjustments may help many individuals reduce digital eye strain.
Your eye doctor will also need to address any underlying health issues that may be contributing to your digital eye strain. For example, you may need a new set of spectacles. If you have an underlying dry eye issue, your eye doctor may recommend the following:
- Applying lubricant droplets.
- If you have allergies, you should treat them.
- Increasing the humidity in the workplace.
- Increasing fluid intake (staying hydrated).
- Using prescription medication to boost tear production.
What can I do to protect my eyes from digital eye strain?
Improve your working environment to help avoid digital eye strain. If you use glasses or corrective lenses, visit your eye doctor at least once a year or as recommended for a checkup. You should also visit your doctor on a regular basis. This may aid in the prevention and treatment of health issues that contribute to digital eye strain.
Important information regarding digital eye strain
- Digital eye strain refers to a set of eye and visual issues induced by prolonged computer or digital gadget usage.
- Eye pain and tiredness, as well as dry eyes, poor vision, and headaches, are all symptoms.
- Uncorrected visual issues are a significant contributor.
- Hidden health issues may sometimes contribute to it.
- A better computer work environment may aid in the improvement of symptoms.
- Resting your eyes on a regular basis is one of the most effective methods to prevent and cure digital eye strain.
Next actions
- Here are some pointers to help you get the most out of a visit to your healthcare provider:
- Know why you’re going and what you want to happen.
- Make a list of the questions you want to be addressed before your appointment.
- Bring someone with you to assist you in asking questions and remembering what your healthcare professional says.
- During the appointment, note down the name of any new diagnoses as well as any new medications, therapies, or tests. Make a note of any new instructions you get from your healthcare practitioner.
- Understand why a new medication or therapy has been recommended for you and how it will benefit you. Also, be aware of the potential negative effects.
- Inquire whether your problem can be addressed in any other manner.
- Understand why a test or treatment is suggested and what the findings may imply.
- Understand what to anticipate if you do not take the medication or undergo the test or treatment.
- If you have a follow-up appointment, make a note of the date, time, and reason for the visit.
- Understand how to contact a top eye care specialist via Marham.
Digital Eye Strain Infographic:
