Have you been experiencing red, dry, and itchy eyes lately? If yes, it is mainly because of long working hours on your computer, increased mobile screen time, and binge-watching of numerous web series on the iPad or television. 

Your day starts with using a digital screen and ends with looking at another one. And often, this can result in a health issue known as "Computer Vision Syndrome".

"Computer Vision Syndrome", also referred to as "Digital Eye Strain", is a combination of eye and vision-related problems, resulting from the prolonged use of digital screens. 

Let's understand its main causes and early signs, and move on to 5 tips on how to prevent and reduce the effects of "Computer Vision Syndrome".

Contributing Factors of Digital Eye Strain

  • Working continuously on a computer without a break
  • Improper distance from the screen
  • Incorrect sitting posture
  • Insufficient illumination of your workstation
  • Infrequent blinking of eyes, leading to dryness
  • Pre-existing dryness and uncorrected refractive error 

Common Signs And Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain

  • Headache
  • Blurring of vision
  • Redness, watering, and irritation of eyes
  • Double vision
  • Eye fatigue
  • Neck or shoulder pain
  • Increased light sensitivity                              

How To Prevent And Treat Digital Eye Strain

All you have to do is inculcate small lifestyle changes in your daily routine.  Remember to: 

1. Limit screen time and ensure proper lighting conditions at your workstation at home. It is important to choose a natural and well-lit corner for working on a daily basis.

2. Take frequent breaks and follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a break for 20 seconds and look at any object at a 20 feet distance. This will help to prevent eye fatigue, dry eye, and neck and shoulder stiffness.

3. Blink often. Staring at a digital screen increases the tendency of your eyes to dry. Make conscious efforts to blink slowly and frequently to maintain moisture levels in your eyes.  If required, use an artificial tear supplement, ideally after consulting a doctor.

4. Ensure proper posture. Ideally, your laptop or desktop screen should be at an angle of 15 to 20° below eye level and 20 to 28 inches away from the eyes.   

5. Wear proper spectacles. Use blue block or blue cut lenses or eyewear if you have them. They block or absorb blue light which is harmful to your eyes and help to prevent eye strain and disrupted sleep cycles. You can also use the blue light filter options on your smartphones and tablets to decrease glare. 

Additionally, limit the use of contact lenses as they aggravate dryness and increase strain on the eyes.

It is important to pay attention to your overall eye health to keep them healthy and avoid excessive strain.

Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.