From working and shopping to navigating, banking and socialising, screens have become part of almost every area of daily life.
We now spend around eight hours a day on digital devices, and it is estimated that 71% of people who use them experience digital eye strain globally.
Digital eye strain describes new or worsening eye symptoms caused by using a digital device, such as a laptop, IPad or even a phone. Unlike the traditional eye strain that may follow reading a book or paperwork, digital eye strain is specifically linked to screen use.
The symptoms are more than an inconvenience. Eye strain, dryness and discomfort can affect work, happiness and productivity. The answer is not necessarily to abandon useful technology, but to recognise the signs and use practical, evidence-based ways to make screen use kinder to your eyes.
Early digital eye strain symptoms
During the first few hours of screen use, the early signs can be quite subtle:
-
Tired or heavy-feeling eyes
-
Mild discomfort when blinking
-
Slight dryness
-
Occasional eye redness
Symptoms that can worsen with continued use
If screen use continues, symptoms may develop or become more noticeable. These can include:
-
Blurred vision that temporarily improves with blinking
-
Increased dryness and irritation
-
Sensitivity to light
-
Difficulty focusing
-
Headaches
-
Neck and shoulder tension
These symptoms usually improve when screen use stops.
Advanced or ongoing symptoms
By the end of the day, or where problems are ongoing, some people experience severe discomfort in the eyes. Others notice difficulty switching focus between near and far objects, or physical symptoms such as severe headaches, fatigue and continuing neck pain.
The digital eye strain cycle
Screen concentration can disrupt normal blinking. This leads to unstable tears, dry spots on the ocular surface and discomfort. The resulting strain can make us concentrate harder and blink even less, continuing the cycle.
When to arrange an eye examination
If symptoms persist after you stop using a screen, or continue to worsen over time despite taking breaks, you would be best to book an eye examination, even if you are not due for your regular checkup yet. Even a small uncorrected vision problem can make digital eye strain symptoms worse.
How Rawlings can help
If screens regularly leave your eyes feeling tired, dry, sore or difficult to focus, an eye examination at Rawlings can check your vision and explore factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. Our team can also offer practical advice tailored to your work, devices and daily routine.
Find your nearest branch of Rawlings Opticians and Hearing Care and let our expert optometrists help!
