Show Your Eyes Some Love: A Guide to Preventing Digital Eye Strain

The modern age is full of wonders. It’s also full of screens. Everything from billboards to bus sides has become digitized. Fortunately, looking at screens far away doesn’t pose too much of a threat to your eyes. The bigger problem comes from our mobile devices and computers.

Spending too much time looking at screens up close can cause digital eye strain. If you’re experiencing dry eyes or headaches, this issue may be affecting you.

Fortunately, as eye health specialists, our team at Edwin Y. Endo, OD & Associates can help. Dr. Endo and our staff identified a few actionable steps you can take to protect your eyes from digital strain. You can also visit our office in Aiea, Hawaii, for more personalized guidance. 

Learn the symptoms

Experts also call digital eye strain computer vision syndrome because it often results from looking at a screen (such as a computer) for extended periods. Viewing a screen up close requires extra focus and eye movement. Over time, this can contribute to strain. 

If you start experiencing the symptoms of digital eye strain, it’s time to take a break. Those symptoms include:

• Blurry vision 
• Dry eyes
• Eyes that feel tired
• Headaches
• Light sensitivity
• Pain in your neck or shoulders

Watch for those warning signs when you’re looking at a device. When you notice them, let them signal that it’s time to make a change. 

Take breaks (they can be short)

When you look at screens, you blink less. This dries your eyes, contributing to the strain. Taking even a short break allows your eyes to re-moisten. Even a brief break can provide relief.

Eye experts often recommend employing the 20-20-20 rule. Per that rule, for every 20 minutes you look at a screen, you take a 20-second break to look at something at least 20 feet away. 

Put a defense layer in place

The right eyeglasses can help you reduce eye strain. Dr. Endo and our team offer blue light-blocking glasses, for example. These can be particularly helpful if you’ve noticed that screen light interferes with your sleep. We also offer computer and gamer specialty glasses from GUNNAR Optiks. 

Adjust your screen viewing parameters

To make things easier on your eyes, adjust the contrast on your device to around 60–70%. Also, try to view the screens without glare. 

If you work at a computer, set it up ergonomically. That means adjusting the monitor to eye level when you’re comfortably seated.

Putting these tips into practice should help you reduce the screen-related strain on your eyes. If you’re still experiencing digital eye strain, schedule an appointment with Dr. Endo for personalized care. Call our office at 808-774-3838 to schedule an appointment today.