“When light from digital screens enters their eyes, they need to adjust and process the light so that it reaches our retina properly – an essential part of the eye that allows for vision,” says Dr. Tsai. “This allows you to see the images clearly. However, when you spend a lot of time in front of digital screens, your eyes have to work harder to refocus the light. After a long period of time, your eye muscles may feel tired from being overloaded, a term known as digital eye fatigue or computer vision syndrome. “
The impact of digital eye fatigue is far reaching. “It can cause eye fatigue, dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, difficulty reading, difficulty concentrating, sensitivity to light and pain in the neck and back,” says Dr. Tsai.
To avoid eye strain, you should take ample breaks for the screen during the day. “Many of us don’t even realize that we tend to look at the phone when we take a break from the computer,” she says. To do this, follow the 20-20-20 rule. “Every 20 minutes, remember – and your kids – to take your eyes off the screen and look at something that is at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds,” she says.
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Try to keep the digital distance and screen brightness low. “Find a comfortable working distance from your screen. Children should hold devices as far away from the eyes as possible. Adults are encouraged to hold the devices with an extended arm, ”says Dr. Tsai. “Decrease the brightness level of the device’s screens to reduce the amount of exposure to blue light, especially at night.”
In addition, you can consider buying blue light glasses. “Your eyes can become sensitive to aggressive lighting environments, including excessive blue light from digital screens,” says Dr. Tsai. She recommends VSP’s TechShield Blue AB lenses and SunSync Elite Light-Reactive lenses, “which offer reduced blue light indoors and outdoors and change from dark to light in seconds.” You can also find blue light glasses at Warby Parker, Glasses USA and Zenni, among other companies.
The best thing you can do, she says, is to see an ophthalmologist to develop an eye health plan that works for you.
“Even if you don’t wear prescription glasses, an annual visit to the local eye doctor is essential for everyone,” says Dr. Tsai. “Your doctor can not only help you determine the best options for reducing digital eye fatigue, but will also ensure that your eyes are healthy and functioning properly. They can also help detect the first signs of serious illnesses, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, autoimmune diseases and hypertension. “
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