Digital screen time has always been a point of emphasis during our conversations with our patients about good eye health. With the COVID-19 pandemic stretching into the Fall, most of us will continue to experience more at-home screen time than ever. Whether from remote learning or continuing to work from a makeshift home office, digital eye strain will continue to be a focus on maintaining good eye health.

Blurred vision, headaches and tired eyes that sting or water are all common symptoms of digital eye strain. Long-term risks, especially for children, could include an increased risk of nearsightedness, especially since most screen time occurs indoors. Fortunately, there are easy things you can begin to do at home to help avoid digital eye strain:

• Take frequent breaks from screens by following the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes take 20 seconds and look at least 20 feet away from your digital device.

• Balance increased time inside with plenty of outdoor activities.

• Position screens at arm’s length and a bit below eye level, rather than straight ahead.

• Keep room lighting at a similar brightness to the light coming off your screen.

• Avoid digital devices one to two hours before bedtime to get a better nights rest.

If you or your child’s digital eye strain symptoms persist even with following these recommendations, it might be time to see your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. This will ensure that your eyes are equipped with the correct prescription glasses or contact lenses along with determining if you might benefit from medical grade blue-light blocking lenses. They can also evaluate your eyes to make sure you are not having separate issues related to conditions like dry eye disease that might mimic digital eye strain. Be cautious with online vision screenings and non-prescription blue-light blocking glasses as they are not reliable tools for the protection of your eye health.

While we will likely continue to be forced to use digital devices more than ever, following these tips and maintaining good balance in how we spend our days should help alleviate the most common causes of digital eye strain.

From all of us at A Proper View, we hope you stay safe and well!

-Dr. Andrew Bradbury, OD