Digital Eye Strain Care in the Syracuse, NY, Area

Digital eye strain is a common concern. Many Americans spend hours each day viewing digital screens, resulting in dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. Savedoff, Ciccone & Davis, Doctors of Optometry, P.C. help patients alleviate digital eye strain and other computer vision concerns. Learn more about digital eye strain and potential treatment options offered in Syracuse or Manlius, New York.

What Is Digital Eye Strain?

The average American worker spends seven hours a day on the computer. Computers have become an essential part of daily life, whether they are used for work, recreation, or keeping in contact with loved ones. After prolonged periods, however, staring at a screen can take a toll on vision.

Spending long periods focusing on a close-up object strains the eyes. More than that, viewing a computer, tablet, smartphone, or other digital screen can make the eyes work harder. Letters on screens are often less sharply defined than letters on a printed page, contrast is lower, glare interferes with vision clarity, and backlit screens flicker imperceptibly, forcing frequent adjustments. Over time, this results in fatigue.

Digital eye strain, which is sometimes called computer vision syndrome, is a type of eye strain that occurs after high amounts of digital screen use. While not serious, it can be uncomfortable. Recurring symptoms may disrupt a person’s daily routine, making it difficult to focus on work or favorite activities.

Who Is at Risk of Digital Eye Strain?

Digital eye strain is extremely common, affecting 50% up to 75% of the population. Anybody can be affected. However, it is most frequently seen among individuals who use computers for work or school, or who have hobbies such as video gaming that involve long periods of screen time.

Other vision problems can also contribute to digital eye strain. Uncorrected or under-corrected vision problems often force the eyes to work harder while looking at a screen, leading to faster onset and worsened symptoms of digital eye strain. Eyeglasses and contact lenses may also be poorly tuned for the specific viewing distances required for computer screens.

Digital Eye Strain Symptoms

Symptoms of digital eye strain can develop slowly or quickly. They typically increase as screen time continues, only receding when the person stops using the computer and allows their eyes to rest. Symptoms include:

• Dry, watery, or itchy eyes
• The sensation of something in the eye
• Blurred vision, especially when refocusing
• Difficulty seeing far after prolonged computer use
• Sensitivity to bright lights
• Difficulty with keeping eyes open
• Headaches behind the eyes

Digital Eye Strain Detection

To determine if a patient is dealing with digital eye strain or another issue, the eye doctors at Savedoff, Ciccone & Davis, Doctors of Optometry, P.C. begin with a patient questionnaire. This helps the doctor learn more about the condition and its possible causes. Questions may include:

• The types of symptoms
• How often symptoms occur
• The amount of time spent using digital devices
• Work environment and desk setup
• Other medical or vision conditions
• Current medications

A thorough vision evaluation may also be used to check for undiagnosed vision problems that may contribute to eye strain. This will help doctors plan an appropriate treatment.

Digital Eye Strain Treatment

Treatment for digital eye strain focuses on symptom management and prevention. The simplest approach is to reduce screen time. However, many people rely on computers for work, recreation, or staying connected. These treatments can help reduce symptoms while using a computer:

• Blue Blocking Antiglare Coatings: Blue light protective lensesreduce glare, increase comfort, and protect the retina from the harmful blue light end of the spectrum.
• Eye drops: Over-the-counter or prescription eye drops may be used to lubricate the eyes, preventing symptoms of dry eye.
• 20-20-20 rule: After every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something at least 20 feet away for about 20 seconds. This provides a break from close-up vision.
• Limit glare: Lower the blinds, use low-wattage bulbs, avoid overhead lights, or place the computer in a location to reduce screen reflections.
• Adjust screen brightness: The brightness of the computer screen should be the same as the level of brightness in the room.
• Adjust text: Larger fonts are easier to read. Also, if possible, adjust settings to read dark print on a light background with 60%-70% contrast.