Digital eye strain is the catch-all term for the burning, blurring and aching that hits after hours on a laptop or phone, and an estimated 60 million people worldwide deal with it. Here is what causes the condition, what the symptoms feel like and how doctors recommend treating it.
What Are the Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain?
The most common symptoms of digital eye strain include blurry vision, watery eyes, dry eyes and tired eyes, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Other frequent complaints from people with computer vision syndrome are red eyes, a foreign body sensation, sensitivity to light and double vision. Around 60 million people worldwide are estimated to have CVS, and one million new cases are reported annually, according to a study published in BMC Public Health. The symptoms also extend beyond your eyes. A 2022 review in the European Journal of Ophthalmology noted that “extraocular symptoms include musculoskeletal symptoms which can result in inconvenience in daily routine activities. These may include body discomfort like headache, neck or shoulder pain, and back pain.”
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What Causes Computer Vision Syndrome From Screen Use?
Computer vision syndrome develops when you use digital devices for several hours without taking a break, according to Cleveland Clinic. Computers, tablets, e-readers and smartphones can all trigger it.
Warby Parker lists three main culprits. People unconsciously blink less often when viewing a digital device, they look at screens with glare or improper lighting and they hold devices too close to their face. Each of those habits forces your eyes to work harder than they would during normal vision tasks, which is why a long workday in front of a monitor often ends with headaches, blurred sight and that gritty, tired feeling.
How Can You Prevent Digital Eye Strain at Your Desk?
The most effective fix is adjusting your workspace, and the American Optometric Association says screen positioning matters most.
“Most people find it more comfortable to view a computer when the eyes are looking downward. Optimally, the computer screen should be 15 to 20 degrees below eye level (about 4 or 5 inches) as measured from the center of the screen and 20 to 28 inches from the eyes,” the association notes.
The group also recommends positioning the screen to avoid glare from overhead lighting or windows, using blinds or drapes and replacing desk lamp bulbs with lower-wattage options. Keeping your monitor about an arm’s length away and at a neutral angle reduces neck and back strain too. Cedars-Sinai also advises seeing your eye care provider at least once a year for a checkup if you wear corrective lenses.
How Is Digital Eye Strain Treated by Doctors?
For most people, symptoms are temporary and fade once computer work stops, according to the American Diabetes Association. Anyone with lingering discomfort should schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
Cleveland Clinic recommends making a conscious effort to blink more often, since blinking encourages tears that moisten your eyes. Providers may also suggest over-the-counter or prescription eye drops. The American Diabetes Association notes that “90 percent of patients do not talk with their eye care provider about computer vision syndrome symptoms,” so raising the issue at your next appointment is a simple but underused step. If your eyes stay red, blurry or painful for days at a time, see a professional rather than waiting it out.
Contact lens users often find dry eye to be an ongoing problem when they spend long stretches in front of digital devices, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
The academy suggests giving your eyes a break by wearing glasses instead on heavy computer days, never sleeping in your contacts even if they are labeled “extended wear” and sticking to good cleaning practices to avoid irritation. Some symptoms warrant professional attention rather than another round of drops. If your eyes are consistently red, blurry or watery, or if they become sensitive to light or painful, see your ophthalmologist. Pairing those habits with the workspace adjustments recommended by the American Optometric Association can keep digital eye strain from turning into a daily nuisance.
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