From office work and online learning to social interaction and entertainment, many individuals spend prolonged hours looking at screens. This increased exposure has led more people to experience discomfort from screen-related eye strain.
In this blog, we discuss the common causes of eye strain, recognise its symptoms, explore practical strategies to reduce it, and outline appropriate treatment options.
Understanding Eye Strain from Screens
Eye strain from screen exposure, also known as digital eye strain, occurs when the eyes become fatigued from prolonged use of computers, tablets, or smartphones. Unlike printed material, digital screens emit light and often require constant focusing adjustments, which can strain the eyes over time.
Several causes of eye strain are associated with extended use of digital devices. Continuous eye straining forces the eye muscles to work harder than usual, leading to discomfort and, in some cases, a headache.
Common Eye Strain Causes
Several contributing factors can lead to digital visual discomfort.
The most frequent causes are outlined below:
- Excessive Time on Screens: Being a heavy computer, smartphone, or tablet user is one of the main reasons that causes eye strain. Constant attention at a given distance will demand more energy from the eyes, leading to fatigue and strain.
- Less Blinking: When using screens, blinking frequency decreases significantly. This causes the eyes to become dry and irritated, with a burning sensation, which are typical effects of eye strain.
- Lighting and Glare: Overly bright screens, window reflections, and harsh overhead lighting can strain the viewing system. Glare strains the eyes, causing discomfort and blurred vision.
- Poor Workstation Set-up: If the workstation is not set up correctly, the screen is not adjusted to the proper height, the viewing distance is insufficient, and the seating posture does not fit the individual, visual and musculoskeletal strain is higher. These are environmental eye strain issues that are not easily noticed but have a significant impact on comfort.
- Uncorrected Vision Problems: Mild refractive errors that do not necessarily cause apparent problems in daily activities can worsen during prolonged digital use. Constant eye strain is more likely without proper correction.
Identifying Eye Strain Symptoms
Being attentive to early signs of eye strain enables timely intervention and appropriate treatment for eye fatigue.
The most commonly reported symptoms include:
- Dryness and Irritation: A gritty or burning sensation is frequently experienced after prolonged device use. Reduced tear film stability contributes to these classic symptoms of eye strain.
- Blurred or Fluctuating Vision: Difficulty focusing clearly, especially when shifting gaze from the screen to distant objects, is a typical sign of eye strain from screen.
- Headache due to Eye Strain: A persistent or recurring headache, particularly around the forehead or temples, is a common complaint. A headache due to eye strain often develops after extended periods of concentrated screen work.
- Light Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to bright light or screen glare may indicate ongoing eye straining and visual fatigue.
- Neck and Shoulder Discomfort: Poor posture during prolonged device use can lead to muscular tension, which often accompanies eye strain symptoms.
How to Reduce Eye Strain During Daily Screen Use
Preventive measures play a crucial role in maintaining visual comfort in the digital age.
The following practical strategies are recommended for individuals of all age groups:
- Abide by the 20-20-20 Rule: It is important that every 20 minutes, you take a look at an object at least 20 feet in the distance and spend at least 20 seconds on it. This is an easy trick that loosens the eye muscles and eases eye strain, particularly when working on a screen for a long time.
- Screen Position and Distance Adjustment: The screen should be at eye level or at a low position, just an arm’s length away. Correct positioning reduces unnecessary eye strain and improves posture.
- Maximise lighting conditions: Mix high-directed lighting with minimised glare through the windows. Adjust the screen brightness to suit the immediate environment. Even lighting eliminates frequent sources of eyestrain attributed to visual pain.
- Increase Frequency of Blinking: Conscious blinking also helps lubricate the eyes and helps defend against dryness. This simple habit significantly helps treat eye fatigue at home.
- Use Appropriate Eyewear: Special computer glasses or updated prescription lenses may help reduce eye strain for individuals who spend extended hours on digital devices.
- Limit Unnecessary Screen Time: Scheduling short breaks and reducing recreational screen time supports overall eye health and minimises repeated eye strain from screen
Eye Strain Treatment and Eye Fatigue Treatment Options
A timely eye strain cure ensures accurate diagnosis and tailored management.
The following approaches are commonly recommended:
- Comprehensive Eye Examination: A detailed assessment by an eye specialist in Delhi NCR helps identify underlying causes of persistent eye strain, including refractive errors and binocular vision issues.
- Prescription Correction: Updated spectacles or specialised lenses can be an effective treatment for eye strain when uncorrected vision problems are the cause.
- Lubricating Eye Drops: Artificial tears may be prescribed as part of eye fatigue treatment to relieve dryness and irritation associated with prolonged digital use.
- Ergonomic Counselling: Advice on posture, screen setup, and lighting changes is part and parcel of planned eye strain treatment.
- Treatment of Related Headaches: When a recurring headache is caused by eye strain, specific interventions may be needed, such as corrective lenses or vision therapy.
Conclusion
The use of digital devices is an aspect of modern life, and prolonged use may cause avoidable visual distress. The symptoms, including headache from eye strain, may be addressed promptly to prevent further progression and enhance overall comfort.
At Sarvodaya Hospital in Faridabad, patients receive comprehensive evaluations and high-tech eye strain treatment tailored to their needs. Sarvodaya is known as the best hospital in Delhi NCR, offering specialist consultation with skilled eye doctors in Faridabad with a long history in the field of eye care. Preventive consultation not only addresses the discomfort present but also provides patients with long-term measures to manage eye fatigue and maintain visual health.
To protect your vision and restore comfort, book an appointment now.
