Working from home offers convenience, flexibility, and freedom from the daily commute – but it also comes with a hidden downside. Without the structure of a traditional office day, many people find themselves spending more time than ever in front of a screen. If your daily routine includes long hours on a laptop, tablet, or phone, your eyes might be feeling the strain.
Blurred vision, tired eyes, headaches, and even neck or shoulder pain are all signs of a condition known as digital eye strain – a growing issue for today’s remote workforce. Fortunately, a few simple changes to your habits and workspace can make a big difference.
What Is Digital Eye Strain?
Digital eye strain, sometimes called computer vision syndrome, refers to the group of eye and vision problems that result from extended screen use. Studies estimate that up to 70% of adults experience these symptoms at some point – particularly those between the ages of 18 and 34.
One major contributor to digital eye strain is blue light, a form of high-energy visible (HEV) light that’s emitted by all digital screens. Although research is ongoing, short-term exposure to blue light is known to contribute to tired, dry eyes, and there’s ongoing discussion about whether long-term exposure might also raise the risk of cataracts or macular degeneration.
Another factor? Blinking. Most people blink significantly less when looking at a screen – as much as 60% less often – which causes the eyes to dry out more quickly. Blinking spreads moisturizing oils and tears across the surface of your eyes. Without it, the eyes become dry and uncomfortable, leading to blurry vision, irritation, and fatigue.
Symptoms of Computer-Related Eye Strain
If you’ve been experiencing discomfort during or after long hours of screen time, digital eye strain could be the cause.
The most common symptoms include:
- Blurry or double vision
- Burning, sore, or tired eyes
- Dry eyes
- Headaches, especially around the eyes or temples
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Neck, shoulder, or upper back pain
Some people may experience only one or two of these symptoms, while others may deal with several at once. Left unmanaged, digital eye strain can affect your comfort, productivity, and overall well-being.
How Fort Worth Professionals Can Prevent Digital Eye Strain
You don’t need to overhaul your entire home setup to get relief. A few simple, practical changes can reduce the strain on your eyes and help you feel better by the end of the day.
1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
This one’s easy: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. Doing this gives your eye muscles a much-needed rest and encourages you to blink more – keeping your eyes properly hydrated.
2. Reduce Glare and Brightness
If your screen is the brightest thing in the room, your eyes will feel the strain faster. Adjust your screen’s brightness so it’s comfortable for your eyes and try using matte screen filters to cut down on glare. You can also reposition your monitor to reduce reflections from windows or overhead lights.
3. Sit Back and Adjust Your Posture
Position your screen about an arm’s length away and slightly below eye level. This helps your eyes maintain a more natural focus and reduces neck and shoulder tension. Remember, digital eye strain isn’t just about your vision – your body feels it, too.
Altig Optical Offers Support for Digital Eye Strain in Fort Worth
If your symptoms don’t improve – or if you just want to make sure your screen habits aren’t causing long-term issues – schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our team. At Altig Optical, we can assess your vision, check for dry eye or other underlying conditions, and recommend the best solutions for your needs.
Some patients benefit from lubricating eye drops, while others find relief with prescription computer glasses that reduce eye fatigue and block blue light. We’ll talk with you about your daily screen habits, examine your eye health, and help you find ways to protect your vision – even if working from home is here to stay.
Call us in Fort Worth at (817) 391-7956 to request an appointment. Let us help you stay focused, comfortable, and clear-eyed – on and off the clock.
FAQ
Can digital eye strain lead to permanent vision damage?
- Digital eye strain is uncomfortable, but it doesn’t cause permanent damage. That said, it can mask or worsen other conditions – so it’s important to address symptoms early.
Is blue light really that bad for your eyes?
- Blue light contributes to short-term eye strain and sleep disruption. Its long-term effects are still being studied, but reducing exposure – especially at night – is a smart choice.
What’s the difference between reading on paper and reading on a screen?
- Screens cause more glare and emit blue light, which leads to more strain compared to printed material. That’s why posture, lighting, and taking breaks matter more when reading digitally.
Are blue light glasses worth it?
- For some people, yes. Blue light filtering lenses can reduce glare and fatigue during long screen sessions. Your optometrist can help determine if they’re right for you.