Digital eyestrain refers to the uncomfortable signs and symptoms you get after extended use of a device with a digital screen. Most people use a digital screen device for more than four hours each day. It could be a smartphone screen, computer monitor, game console, or any other device. But, doing so makes their eyes work harder than usual.

 

Why Digital Screen Devices Cause Eyestrain

Digital screens cause eyestrain because the demand staring at them places on your eyes is so high. It is different from the demand for writing and reading tasks. For example, the angles and viewing distances when looking at digital screens necessitate more work. The devices also produce glare or reflection that makes seeing much more strenuous. The contrast between text and background is often also quite poor. Also, when looking at the screen, you subconsciously blink less often. This dries and tires your eyes. The result is digital eyestrain, or what doctors call computer vision syndrome.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Digital Eyestrain

Eyestrain may affect individuals differently, but here are some of the common symptoms:

 

• Dry Eye: 
   

  This is the literal drying up of your eyes from inadequate moisture and lubrication. It occurs because you blink less often when you’re using your device.
  
   

• Watery Eyes: 
   

  Ironically, your eyes get watery and dry at the same time. The reason is that when the eyes dry up, the surface of your eyes becomes irritated. Your eye’s natural reaction to dryness is to secrete tears. Most times, they secrete excess tears, causing you to have watery eyes.
  
   

• Blurred or Double Vision: 
   

  Your vision is affected when the muscles in the eye become tired and weak.
  
   

• Light Sensitivity: 
   

  Your eyes develop an intolerance to light, causing discomfort and a need to squint.
  
   

• Painful and Irritated Eyes: 
   

  Your eyes may become irritated and start to itch and become red. They also feel painful, which may affect your ability to focus on tasks.
  
   

• Neck, Shoulder, and Back Pain: 
   

  Pain in these regions has to do with the posture you take when using your digital screen devices. If you work at your desk for at least eight hours a day, you’re likely to strain your neck, shoulder, and back muscles, causing pain.
  
   

• Headaches: 
   

  Your eyes work so hard and cause your eye muscles to contract too much. The result of the contractions is an eyestrain headache coupled with pain or discomfort behind the eyes. Chronic eye strain causes chronic headaches. So, if you have an unexplained series of headaches, your use of digital screen devices is a probable cause.
  
   

Fortunately, even if you have had the symptoms for a prolonged period, the good thing is that they are not permanent. As soon as you take measures to protect your eyes from the strain, the symptoms should subside.

 

Learn more about diagnosis or treatment of eyestrain, contact Insight Eyecare in Las Vegas, NV at (702) 718-7163 to request an appointment.