Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain and How to Combat It

Do you spend hours in front of a computer screen? Do your eyes feel tired and strained after long periods of use? You may be suffering from digital eye strain (DES). This condition is caused by extended exposure to digital devices, such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. Join us as we discuss the symptoms of digital eye strain and how to combat it.

What Is Digital Eye Strain and What Are the Symptoms?

Digital eye strain is a condition that is caused by extended exposure to digital devices, such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. The symptoms of digital eye strain include:

• Eye fatigue
• Headaches
• Dry eyes
• Blurred vision
• Neck and shoulder pain

Blue light from digital devices can also cause digital eye strain. Blue light is a type of light that is emitted from electronic devices. This type of light can cause your eyes to become tired and strained.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see an optometrist or ophthalmologist for an evaluation. They will be able to determine if you are suffering from digital eye strain and provide you with the appropriate treatment.

Optometrist vs Ophthalmologist

An optometrist is a primary care provider for eye and vision care. They are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage conditions that affect the eyes. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. This is why if you are experiencing any symptoms of digital eye strain, it is important to see either an optometrist or ophthalmologist for an evaluation.

How to Combat Digital Eye Strain?

There are a few things that you can do to combat digital eye strain:

1. Take breaks often: Every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break from looking at your computer screen. During this break, look 20 feet away. This will help to reduce eye fatigue.
2. Adjust the lighting: Make sure that the lighting in your workspace is not too bright or too dim. You should also avoid glare on your computer screen.
3. Blink often: When you are staring at a computer screen, you tend to blink less often. This can lead to dry eyes. To combat this, make sure to blink often and use artificial tears if necessary.
4. Use eye drops:  If you are suffering from dry eyes, using artificial tears or eye drops can help to lubricate your eyes and reduce discomfort. Wear
5. Wear computer glasses: These are specially designed lenses that help to reduce digital eye strain. They have an anti-reflective coating that helps to reduce glare. Plus they often feature blue light reduction and are tinted to help reduce eye fatigue as well. If you wear contact lenses, you may want to consider wearing a form of computer glasses as well.

Other Common Eye Issues and How to Prevent Them

In addition to digital eye strain, there are a few other common eye issues that can occur from extended computer use. These include:

Cataracts

Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye. They can cause symptoms such as blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, and halos around lights. Wearing sunglasses and getting an annual eye exam can help to prevent cataracts.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

This is a deterioration of the macula, which is the part of the eye responsible for central vision. Symptoms include blurred or distorted vision. AMD is the leading cause of blindness in adults over 50. There is no cure for AMD, but there are treatments that can slow its progression. Wearing sunglasses, eating a healthy diet, and not smoking can help to prevent AMD.

Glaucoma

This is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve. It is often associated with elevated intraocular pressure. Symptoms include loss of peripheral vision, difficulty seeing at night, and halos around lights. There is no cure for glaucoma, but early detection and treatment can help to prevent vision loss. Getting an annual eye exam is the best way to detect glaucoma early.

Wrapping Up: Tips for Keeping Your Eyes Healthy

In addition to the tips above, there are a few other things that you can do to keep your eyes healthy:

1. Wear sunglasses: This will help to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
2. Eat a healthy diet: Eating foods that are rich in antioxidants, such as leafy green vegetables and fruits, can help to protect your eyes from damage.
3. Don’t smoke: Smoking increases your risk of developing cataracts and AMD.
4. Exercise regularly: Exercise can help to reduce eye pressure and improve blood flow to the eyes.
5. Get an annual eye exam: This is the best way to detect any problems early and prevent vision loss.

If you spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen, it is important to take steps to protect your eyes. Wearing computer glasses, taking breaks often, and getting an annual eye exam can help to reduce your risk for digital eye strain and other common eye issues.