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By Dr. Jaisingh Rajput

In today’s digital era, prolonged screen time has become a daily norm—at work, home, and even in schools. But this increased reliance on screens is leading to a surge in a condition known as digital eye strain (DES), or computer vision syndrome. This growing issue affects children, adults, and especially seniors, resulting in both temporary and long-term discomfort.

What Is Digital Eye Strain?

Digital eye strain refers to a group of eye and vision-related symptoms that result from prolonged use of digital devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. According to the American Optometric Association, people who spend two or more continuous hours on a screen are at the greatest risk.

Common symptoms are eye discomfort, burning or dryness; blurred or double vision; headaches; neck, shoulder and back pain and difficulty focusing or concentrating.

Causes and Risk Factors

Extended screen exposure: More than 2 hours continuously can fatigue eye muscles.

Blue light exposure: Emitted from screens and can interfere with sleep cycles.

Poor lighting and glare: Increases strain on the eyes.

Incorrect screen positioning: Looking up or too close at a screen can stress the neck and eyes.

Uncorrected vision problems: May go unnoticed until symptoms worsen.

Prevention and Tips for Relief

Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This relaxes eye muscles and reduces strain.

Adjust Your Workstation: Keep the screen at arm’s length and just below eye level, use an anti-glare screen or matte finish and ensure lighting is bright but not directly behind or in front of you.

Blink More Often: When we stare at screens, our blink rate drops significantly. Remind yourself to blink frequently to avoid dryness.

Use Blue Light Filters: Enable blue light reduction settings on phones, tablets, and computers, especially in the evening.

Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks: Regular breaks and staying hydrated can prevent fatigue and dryness.

Treatment Options

Artificial tears to reduce dryness

Computer glasses with anti-reflective coating

Prescription glasses tailored for screen use

Eye exercises to improve focus flexibility

Regular eye exams to check for underlying issues

New Trends and Guidelines

Recent guidelines from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (2024) recommend:

Limiting recreational screen time to under 2 hours per day for children

Educating employees about eye ergonomics in digital workspaces

Promoting use of screen protectors and vision-friendly lighting in schools and offices

Helping Our Loved Ones

 

Check on elderly parents or children who may spend excessive time watching TV, using tablets, or working online. Signs like frequent rubbing of eyes, irritability, complaints of headaches, or changes in sleep can be early indicators of screen fatigue.

Local Support and Resources

Local support and resources for eye care include:

Greenville Eye Care Center – Offers comprehensive digital eye strain assessments.

Butler County Health Department – Hosts monthly eye health awareness sessions.

School Vision Programs – Partner with local schools to provide regular screenings for children.

Digital devices are here to stay — but so is your eye health. With simple changes in habits, awareness of symptoms, and timely medical help, you can prevent and manage screen-related eye fatigue effectively.

Dr. Jaisingh Rajput and Dr. Prakakta Rajput are physicians specializing in hospital medicine and preventive health. They are dedicated to educating the public on stroke prevention and cardiovascular wellness.