People of all ages experience digital-related eye discomfort. Research says that more than 50% of computer users suffer from this problem. (1)
If you use digital gadgets for several hours each day, you can discover that your eyesight is blurry and that your eyes are sore and weary.
The near-constant usage of digital screens like computers, laptops, or cellphones is one effect of contemporary working and living conditions.
Digital eye strain is discomfort or pain that results from using these gadgets for more than two hours. It is not completely possible to reduce computer and cell phone use any time soon. So, what can we do to alleviate the resulting eye fatigue?
We’ll let you know everything about how to combat this problem and some home remedies that you can try out.
What Is Digital Eye Strain Syndrome?
A set of eye and vision issues because of prolonged looking at digital screens is what a digital eye strain is. It is also known as computer vision syndrome.
Computer usage is not the only cause of this illness. Digital eye strain can cause problems after prolonged use of digital devices like computers, TVs, and smartphones.
What Causes Digital Eye Strain?
There are plenty of causes for this problem. Some of them include
- Lack of blinking
If you blink less while gazing at a computer screen, it can cause dryness, irritability, and hazy vision.
- Increased contrast
Your eyes have to work harder when the digital screen you’re looking at contrasts too much with the ambient light. It is the bright screens in a dark room or dim screens in a bright environment.
If you keep using screens like this, pain in the eyes and weariness are common digital eye strain effects you may have to face.
- Poor posture
When using digital gadgets, you may frequently slump or hunch over. Back, neck, and shoulder discomfort may occur from this.
- Artificial light
Blue light is a hue in the visible light spectrum that both the sun and digital displays emit. Digital gadgets generate artificial blue light at a lesser intensity than the sun, but it is present for a longer time and at a closer distance.
What Are The Symptoms Of Digital Eye Strain?
Here are some of the most common digital eye strain symptoms:
- Pain and eye strain
- Fuzzy vision
- Eye dryness
- Neck ache
- A sore shoulder
When performing routine office tasks on a computer, digital eye strain could begin to affect the quality of life. Fortunately, most symptoms are transient and will disappear after dietary changes or after completing a day’s work on the computer.
In a few rare instances, these digital eye strain symptoms might not go away since the eyes didn’t have time to relax and acclimatize, especially if the person spends more than seven hours in front of a digital screen.
When you are not using a digital screen, blurry distant vision is most likely to persist, which might make it challenging to walk or drive.
Though it might be inconvenient and painful, computer vision syndrome is not necessarily harmful. It’s only a sign that your eyes need some rest and some care.
This does not imply that you should continue your unhealthy digital habits and disregard your symptoms. While the symptoms might not be harmful, side effects like digital eye strain headaches, or dizziness could put you in danger when driving or in other circumstances.
For the sake of your eyes and others around you, it’s crucial to respect the message that your eyes need to rest when they exhibit harmful symptoms.
How To Avoid Digital Eye Strain?
Here are some of the ways in which you can prevent this problem
- Regular checkups
The most crucial thing you can do to avoid or correct computer vision issues is to have regular complete eye exams. Consult a local ophthalmologist if it has been over a year since your last eye checkup.
Tell your doctor how frequently you use a computer at work and home when you go in for your exam.
When using a computer, measure the distance between your eyes and the screen and carry that measurement to the exam. Your eye specialist will recommend the ideal lenses for seeing clearly and comfortably at that distance.
- Use AR-coated glasses
Computer eye strain can be exacerbated by glare from light that is reflected from your screen or other objects in the space. Install a screen protector that reduces glare, and, if you can paint shiny or bright walls a calming color with a matte finish.
Buy lenses with an anti-reflective (AR) coating if you use spectacles.
To remoisten the surface of your eyes and prevent dry eye symptoms, blink regularly (and thoroughly).
- Blink more often
Dry eyes, erratic vision, and pain in the eyes are the results of not blinking often.
Train yourself to blink after reading every two to three paragraphs on your screen. This will lessen your chance of developing dry eyes when using a computer.
- Use computer glasses
If you think you could benefit from computer glasses, go to your eye doctor. If you often use bifocals or progressive lenses, which only offer a very small viewing zone to see your computer screen, use computer glasses for digital eye strain prevention.
To lessen your exposure to the dangerous blue light generated by digital gadgets, use photochromic lenses or lightly tinted lenses when using a computer.
Finally, using computer glasses or another type of eyewear can be considerably more pleasant if you spend a lot of time in front of a screen than wearing contact lenses, which can occasionally turn dry from repeated computer use.
Use the blue light ones, as they are the best digital eye strain glasses when watching television or using your phone.
- Eye drops
Eye drops can reduce symptoms such as dryness, itching, and irritation, by lubricating dry or sensitive regions.
Digital Eye Strain Treatment
Here’re some good old home remedies that you can try to treat digital eye strain:
- Eye massages
Relax your eyes by gently massaging the eyelids, the muscle above your eyebrows, the area around your under-eyes, and both temples. This eases the muscles surrounding your eyes and aids in improving blood flow to the eyes.
Additionally, it stimulates the tear ducts, avoiding dry eyes. For a softer massage, add a few drops of olive oil, aloe vera gel, or eye cream.
- Hot treatment
After a long day of looking at computers and books, a warm compress is a terrific method to soothe dry eyes and relax your eye muscles. Find a comfortable area to lie down and prepare a soft, clean cloth by dipping it into warm water.
Cover your eyes with a warm cloth while keeping your eyelids closed. For one minute, unwind and take calming breaths. Do this at least thrice.
- Cold treatment
A fantastic remedy for eye strain and exhaustion is to splash cold water in your eyes.
Cold water aids in blood circulation and the tense muscles in your eyes are also soothed. This is a quick and simple at-home treatment for eye fatigue.
To calm your eyes, you can either immediately wash your face with cool water or dab a cotton towel over them.
FAQs
- How to reduce digital eye strain?
Throughout the day, glance away from your display to rest your eyes. Try the 20-20-20 rule: Spend at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes staring at something 20 feet away.
- How long does digital eye strain last?
Situations that cause eye strain don’t last long. Eye strain will take longer to go away if it comes with additional symptoms like headache, dry eyes, red eyes, or shoulder or neck pain.
- Is digital eye strain permanent?
Thankfully, digital eye discomfort is temporary. With time and new, improved screen habits, the symptoms of computer vision syndrome may improve.
Conclusion
Your eyes are constantly exposed to digital screens, whether you are working from home or binge-watching. So, they need to be treated properly. It is crucial to take pauses and adhere to some of these natural digital eye strain cures.
Additionally, give yourself enough time to identify the cause of your eye discomfort and implement the appropriate treatments.
These DIY solutions can help relieve eye discomfort. You must consult your eye doctor for help, nevertheless, if the issue continues.
Do you have any more questions about digital eye strain? Let us know in the comments below.
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