Working constantly on a computer screen takes a toll on your whole body, and your eyes are no exception. If you frequently stare at computers, experienced optometrists Alaina Lavine, OD, Tiffany Nguyen, OD, and the team at Optic Gallery The District in the District neighborhood of Henderson, Nevada, can help. The team can examine your eyes and create a personalized treatment plan that combats computer eye strain. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more..
If your eyes feel tired, itchy, or irritated after staring at a screen — computer, tablet, or mobile phone — you may experience digital eye strain. Many people experience uncomfortable symptoms from reading text on digital devices rather than in print. The blue light in these devices can damage the eyes over time, leading to computer eye strain.
Computer eye strain affects everyone differently but can cause:
Red eye
Dry eye
Blurred vision
Headaches
Neck pain
Shoulder pain
Fatigued eyes
Watery eyes
Double vision
Most symptoms of computer eye strain resolve after you give your eyes a break from looking at screens. Over time, however, digital eye strain symptoms can occur even when you aren’t using a device.
There is no single test for diagnosing computer eye strain. The team at Optic Gallery The District reviews your medical history and asks questions about your lifestyle. This part of the exam helps your optometrist gauge how often you stare at digital devices.
Next, the team performs a complete eye exam to test your vision and eye health. To gather more information, they may dilate, or enlarge, your pupils. Finally, the team may perform a funduscopy to view the structures inside your eye.
If your optometrist suspects that an underlying condition may be aggravating your eyes and intensifying your symptoms, they may order bloodwork and imaging scans.
Treating computer eye strain can be difficult in the digital age. If you rely on digital devices for work or school, the team can recommend tips to give your eyes a break from blue light. These recommendations may include:
Looking at a distance of 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes
Taking a 15-minute break from screens every two hours
Investing in a screen glare filter
Placing your screen higher, so you aren’t peering down at it
Blinking more frequently
Adjusting your chair height to maintain good posture
If you have an underlying condition that exacerbates your symptoms, the team may administer the appropriate treatment.
Call Optic Gallery The District or schedule an appointment online to learn more about computer eye strain.