Reduce Eye Strain from Extended Screen Time

For those that sit at a computer all day, eye strain and fatigue can almost seem like an inescapable fact of life. After all, many of us need to work at a computer as a part of our responsibilities for work or school. Online is where we find most of our informational resources and it is how we share our work with other people, and that means excessive screen time is built into our routine.

Removing screen time from your life, or drastically reducing the amount of time spent in front of a screen, is just not a possibility.  

If you have noticed your eyes get tired after staring at a computer, phone, or tablet screen for hours per day, then you are not alone. This post will give you some ways to reduce eye strain from extended screen time and answer your questions about the effects of digital screens on your eyes.  

Does Prolonged Screen Exposure Hurt My Eyes? 

In this digital age, many individuals spend extended periods staring at digital screens, whether it be for work or leisure. However, this prolonged exposure to electronic devices can have negative effects on our eye health. Blue light from electronic devices, such as smartphones and computer screens, can contribute to eye strain and fatigue, causing symptoms such as blurry vision, dry eyes, headaches, and neck or shoulder pain. 

To prevent eye strain and reduce eye fatigue, it is important to take necessary measures to avoid prolonged screen time. Experts recommend taking frequent breaks and adjusting the screen brightness to minimize screen time eye strain. Additionally, using blue light filters or matte screen filters can also reduce eye strain and prevent digital eye strain symptoms. 

It is crucial to prioritize eye health by taking necessary precautions when using electronic devices for extended periods. Incorporating practices such as preventive measures, eye exercises, and limiting screen time can help prevent lasting damage to our eyes and overall well-being.  

What are the Symptoms of Eye Strain? 

Eye strain is a common condition that affects people who spend prolonged periods focusing on digital screens. Symptoms of eye strain can manifest in different ways and include blurred vision, dry eyes with contact lenses, headaches, neck pains or shoulder pains, eye pain, and difficulty focusing. Prolonged screen time can lead to eye strain because it causes the eye muscles to work harder, leading to fatigue and discomfort. 

Uncorrected vision can also contribute to eye strain because it puts additional stress on the eye muscles. Exposure to blue light from electronic devices such as smartphones and computer screens has also been linked to eye strain symptoms. Blue light can cause the eyes to strain in order to focus, leading to tiredness and discomfort. 

Experiencing changes in your eyes? This blog tells you the symptoms of common eye diseases.  

5 Tips to Protect Your Eyes from Screen Damage 

Excessive screen time can cause a variety of discomforts and health issues, including eye strain. If you frequently use digital devices, there are several actions you can take to help reduce the risk of eye strain, fatigue, and dryness. Experts recommend taking frequent breaks to give our eyes a rest and to reduce the risk of eye strain. Let’s look at five things you can do to prevent or address eye strain.  

 Over-the-counter eye drops can lubricate your eyes and decrease dryness caused by staring at a screen for too long. Consult with your eye doctor to determine which eye drops are safe and effective for your eyes. 

Choose Glasses over Contacts: Contacts tend to exacerbate dry eye symptoms. If you wear contacts, consider switching to glasses for monitoring the use of screens for longer hours. 

How do you pick the right glasses frames? Learn more here! 

Use a humidifier: A humidifier adds moisture to the air and can help reduce dry eye symptoms caused by prolonged exposure to screens. This will also help reduce dryness during the winter months with a lower humidity level. 

Reduce Screen Glare: Screen glare is a common source of eye strain. Use an anti-glare screen protector on your electronic devices or situate your screen to ensure that your screen's glare doesn't reflect onto your eyes. 

Get Regular Eye Checkups: Getting routine eye exams is critical for maintaining good eye health. Include tests for computer vision and eye strain symptoms in the regular checkups. Frequent checkups could detect issues early on. 

Reducing eye strain and preventing digital eye strain can be accomplished by implementing these basic steps. Employing blue light filters and adjusting screen brightness can also improve eye health by minimizing screen time and eye strain. Protect your eyes and practice these eye strain relief tips to minimize discomfort and long-lasting damage. 

Better Eye Care from Oxford Family Vision Care 

Eye strain because of staring at bright screens for school, work, or pleasure can be very challenging. Unfortunately, the problem of tired, sore, or dry eyes from our computer screen is a difficult problem to get away from.  

The key to ensuring the long-term health of our eyes is attending regular eye appointments.  

Your eye doctor will be able to evaluate the health of your eyes and determine if you need corrective lenses or other treatments.  

If you are struggling with digital eye strain or other eye issues, then it is time to schedule your appointment with Oxford Family Vision Care today!  

Located in Oxford, Ohio, right by Miami University, Dr. Jeffrey Collins is here to help improve your children’s vision and has been providing excellent vision care for families all over Butler County since 1989.    

Follow Oxford Family Vision Care on Facebook and Twitter for more eye health tips! 

Happy with the difference we have made for your eye health? Leave us a five-star review here!