What is digital eye strain?
Digital eye strain, also called computer vision syndrome, is a group of symptoms caused by prolonged screen use: tired or burning eyes, blurred vision, headaches and neck or shoulder discomfort. We blink far less while concentrating on a screen, which dries the surface of the eye.
The 20-20-20 rule
Every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet (6 metres) away for at least 20 seconds. This relaxes the focusing muscles and gives you time to blink fully.
Other habits that help
- Place the screen slightly below eye level, roughly an arm's length away.
- Reduce glare from windows and overhead lights; avoid working in a dark room.
- Increase text size instead of leaning forward.
- Blink deliberately and consider lubricating drops if your doctor recommends them.
- Get any uncorrected spectacle power treated; even a small error worsens strain.
When to see an eye doctor
See an ophthalmologist if symptoms persist despite these changes, if vision is blurred even after resting, or if you notice pain, redness or double vision. Dry eye and uncorrected power are the most common treatable causes.