Growing up in today’s day and age it’s not if you will use technology throughout the day - it’s about how long your day will be consumed behind a screen. Whether you’re sitting at work behind a computer for 8 hours or lounging on the couch scrolling through your newsfeed you could be experiencing the side effects of Digital Eye Strain. 

Digital Eye strain is also known as computer vision syndrome and is the physical discomfort you may experience from looking at a screen for too long throughout your day. As technology has become increasingly popular over the years there has been an increase in the number of people who experience the side effects of this condition. Luckily for you, there are many steps you can take to help relieve and reduce your symptoms of digital eye strain. 

Some symptoms of digital eye strain that you may experience include: 

• Dry eyes
• Squinting 
• Headache
• Neck, shoulder, or back stiffness
• Double or blurred vision
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Feeling like you cannot keep your eyes open 

Tip 1: The first suggestion we have to give you in an effort to reduce your symptoms is to try and follow the 20-20-20 rule. The 20-20-20 rule states that if you are working behind a screen for an extended amount of time it is important to take a break after 20 minutes for 20 seconds to look at something that is at least 20 feet away from you. In doing this you are giving your eyes a chance to completely relax and to focus on something other than your device.

Tip 2: Blink. This is a very important step to follow when looking at a screen for a long time because it's something people often forget to do. As natural and easy as it is to blink a lot of times when using a computer, smartphone, or tablet our blinks are incomplete. Incomplete blinks can result in a number of the symptoms listed above. In order to reduce dryness in your eyes, it is important to keep blinking and keep your eyes hydrated. 

Tip 3: Adjust your work area. It is important to make sure that you are reducing the amount of overhead lighting in your work area which will decrease the glare that reflects off your screen. This is a big advantage for your eyes. Another crucial step to take is to make sure that you are not sitting too close to your screen which can cause additional eye damage. To reduce eye strain make sure you are positioned slightly above your screen when doing this you cut down on the amount of stress that you are putting on your eyes throughout the day.

Tip 4: Schedule an eye exam. It is important to regularly get your eyes examined. At your next appointment talk with us about how much digital use you are having so, we can discuss viable solutions and alternative steps you can take to reduce your symptoms of digital eye strain.