Computer Eye Strain

Prolonged screen time, whether it be watching television, using your laptop, or scrolling your smartphone, can lead to a number of vision-related problems, including computer eye strain. In today’s world, reducing screen time is not always an option, especially if you are in front of a computer for most of your work day.

Our optometrists at GW Eye Associates, serving La Jolla, CA, Carmel Valley, CA, and San Diego, CA, offer blue light-blocking computer glasses to reduce eye strain and improve your comfort. Here, we explain how these glasses can help and also offer more tips to alleviate discomfort and enhance your overall quality of life.

Computer Eye Strain Risk Factors

According to the American Optometric Association, the average American spends about seven hours a day in front of a computer screen. Viewing a screen is harder on the eyes because letters are not as defined as they are on a printed page. As a result, individuals who routinely use computers are more susceptible to eye strain symptoms, including:

• Blurry vision
• Headaches
• Dry eye syndrome
• Pain in the neck or shoulders

Those who have undiagnosed vision problems often experience even more severe digital eye strain symptoms. The condition can also be exacerbated by presbyopia, astigmatism, and issues with focusing.

Diagnosing Computer Eye Strain

Digital eye strain can be diagnosed by your optometrist during a comprehensive assessment. During this appointment, your doctor will review your medical history and discuss details about your computer use and other screen time. We will also check your visual acuity and assess your ability to focus and move your eyes. If you have refractive errors, we will determine the appropriate lens power to address your condition.

Tips for Reducing Computer Eye Strain

If you are diagnosed with computer eye strain, there are several steps you can take to reduce your symptoms. Here are some recommendations from our optometry team:

• Practice the 20-20-20 rule. When working in front of your computer, take a 20 second break every 20 minutes and focus your eyes on something 20 feet away. It is also helpful to stand up and stretch your arms, back, and shoulders frequently.
• Blink often. When you are looking at a computer screen, you only blink about one-third as frequently as you normally do. This results in dry, irritated eyes. If you already suffer from dry eye syndrome, be sure to ask your optometrist about artificial tears to keep your eyes lubricated and comfortable.
• Install an anti-glare screen. Lights from other areas of the room can reflect on your computer monitor and contribute to eye strain.
• Invest in a pair of computer glasses. These help block harmful blue light that contributes to eye strain. Computer glasses can be purchased with or without a prescription.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Do you experience frequent headaches and eye discomfort? Computer eye strain could be the culprit. To learn more, or to be fitted for custom computer glasses, schedule an appointment at our La Jolla practice. Contact us online or call us at (858) 454-4699.