In an age where screens dominate most industries, it becomes difficult to avoid long screen time. For work, education, or entertainment, people spend hours staring at computers, smartphones, and tablets.

However, getting breaks and correctly managing screen time can help you avoid many problems such as Digital Eye Strain.

Let's get into this article explaining this case and how to manage it.

What is digital eye strain?

Digital eye strain is a condition of eye and vision-related concerns. It happens because of the long use of digital devices.

As for the symptoms, they present as mild discomfort that may reach severe irritation, especially for people with jobs that require staring at screens for a significant amount of time with no reasonable rest.

So, what are the main causes?

Digital eye strain is triggered by a variety of factors, each contributing to the discomfort experienced during and after screen use.

  • Screen Glare

The bright lights of screens can cause significant glare, making it challenging for our eyes to focus. Try your best to work in an eye-friendly environment to prevent screen glare.

  • Improper Viewing Distances

Maintaining the correct distance between your eyes and the screen is really important. If the screen is too close, it forces your eyes to work harder to focus, leading to strain.

  • Poor Posture

A significant contributor to digital eye strain is poor posture. Sitting too close to the screen or at an uncomfortable angle can exacerbate eye strain and lead to other physical discomforts.

Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain

People experiencing this case may notice:

  1. Dry, itchy, or burning eyes

  2. Blurred or double vision

  3. Recurring headaches

  4. Neck and shoulder pain

  5. Having a hard time focusing issues

  6. Sensitivity to light

  7. Eye fatigue

How to Prevent and Reduce Digital Eye Strain

Fortunately, there are many ways to minimize discomfort:

1. Adjust Screen Settings

  • Brightness: Match screen brightness to the surrounding light.

  • Text Size: Increase font size to reduce squinting.

  • Blue Light Filters: Use night mode or blue light-blocking glasses.

2. Optimize Workspace

  • Position the screen 20-28 inches from your eyes, slightly below eye level.

  • Use an anti-glare screen if needed.

  • Ensure proper room lighting to avoid glare.

3. Use Eye Drops

Lubricating eye drops can relieve dryness caused by reduced blinking.

4. Get Regular Eye Exams

An eye doctor can detect underlying vision problems and recommend corrective lenses or special computer glasses.

At Magrabi Health, our doctors can offer solutions to make digital eye strain more manageable.

Final Thoughts

Let's face it, nowadays it seems impossible to get a reasonable screen time.

However, taking care of your vision is key to keeping healthy eyes and more productivity whether at work or when studying.  

Good screen habits are recommended, such as optimizing workspace setup, and taking breaks when feeling something is irritating your eyes.

If symptoms continue, consult an eye care professional for personalized advice. Your eyes deserve care—don’t ignore the strain! That's why at Magrabi Health you can get the help you need from our top doctors.