FAQ
Digital eye strain (DES), or computer vision syndrome, is a condition caused by
prolonged screen use, leading to symptoms like eye discomfort, blurred vision, dry eyes,
headaches, and neck pain.
DES symptoms include eye discomfort, blurred vision, dry eyes, headaches, neck
and shoulder pain, and sensitivity to light, which may arise from prolonged screen use and
reduced blinking.
To relieve DES, take regular breaks, follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds), adjust screen settings, and consider using blue light glasses.
Yes, DES typically goes away with rest and proper eye care practices. Taking
breaks from screens, using proper lighting, and practicing good ergonomics can help
alleviate symptoms.
Blue light glasses or computer glasses with anti-reflective coatings can help reduce
DES symptoms by optimizing visual comfort during screen use.
Blue light glasses can be effective in reducing eye strain caused by digital screens
by filtering out harmful blue light, but individual results may vary.
Mild cases of eye strain can be relieved by adopting preventive measures and
practicing good eye habits, such as taking breaks, blinking regularly, and adjusting screen
settings.
The duration of eye strain varies depending on individual factors and the severity of
the strain. Typically, it improves with rest and proper eye care practices.
DES may last for a few hours to several days, depending on how much time is
spent on screens and the extent of eye strain.
While eye strain itself does not cause permanent damage, prolonged and
untreated DES can exacerbate existing eye conditions and lead to discomfort and visual
issues.
To get relief from phones, adopt effective eye strain from phone treatments.
Firstly, follow the 20-20-20 rule (look 20 feet away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds), reduce
screen brightness, and use blue light filters. Secondly, consider using eye drops for dryness
relief after consulting with your ophthalmology. Proper treatment can alleviate eye strain from excessive phone use and promote eye
comfort.
Dry eyes, or dry eye syndrome, is a condition that happens commonly when your
eyes don’t make enough tears or you’re unable to maintain a layer of tears to coat your
eyes. This can lead to inflammation and damage to the eye’s surface over a period of time.
Symptoms of dry eyes include burning, red, or irritated eyes; blurred vision; and a
scratchy sensation, like there’s something in your eye.
Dry eyes have many causes. Health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid
disease, hormonal changes, and certain medications can lead to dry eye symptoms.
Environmental factors like windy or dry climates, using contact lenses, and staring at a
computer screen for long periods can also contribute to dry eyes.
Dry eyes can be temporary, especially if your symptoms are a result of an
environmental factor such as a dry climate, prolonged computer use, or overuse of contact
lenses. If your dry eyes are caused by medications, your symptoms may go away when you
stop taking that medication. For some, however, dry eyes is a chronic condition. The
symptoms may improve over time with treatment, but they may never go away completely.
Dry eye symptoms may go away once an irritant is removed.
Simple lifestyle changes can help keep dry eye symptoms at bay.
- Drinking plenty of water can help produce natural tears more effectively.
- Adding a humidifier at home, especially if you live in a dry climate, can keep the eye surface moistened.
- Positioning the computer screen below eye level when working can help, as we won’t have to open our eyes as wide to view the screen, reducing strain.
- Blinking often when doing tasks that require concentration, like reading or using the computer.
Dry eyes can often be managed, but not completely cured. Some treatments can
be used permanently to manage symptoms. Prescription medications and over-the-counter
(OTC) eye drops, such as artificial tears, can help manage this condition.
If symptoms are mild, artificial tears a few times throughout the day may give
temporary relief right away. If the drops contain preservatives, talk with your eye doctor
about using preservative-free eye drops. If you need to use artificial tears frequently for
symptom relief, talk to your eye doctor about prescription medications.