How to Protect Your Eyes from Digital Eye Strain

With more people working remotely and students spending hours in online learning, screen time has become an unavoidable part of daily life. From video meetings and digital classrooms to finishing projects on a laptop and catching up on social media or streaming shows, our eyes are constantly locked on digital devices. This prolonged exposure can lead to digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome (CVS). Understanding what it is, what causes it, and how to protect your eyes is key to maintaining healthy, comfortable vision in today’s remote-first and online learning environment.
 

What Is Computer Vision Syndrome?

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a group of eye- and vision-related problems that result from prolonged use of digital devices. When you spend hours in front of screens, your eyes are forced to work harder, which can lead to discomfort and vision issues. Symptoms may vary from mild irritation to more serious visual disturbances.
 

Causes of Digital Eye Strain

Several factors contribute to digital eye strain, including:

• Extended screen time without breaks

• Improper lighting or glare on screens

• Poor posture or screen positioning

• Uncorrected vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism

• Reduced blinking while focusing on screens, which leads to dryness
 

How to Prevent Digital Eye Strain

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce or even prevent digital eye strain:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

• Adjust your screen settings by reducing brightness and increasing text size.

• Maintain proper posture with the screen about arm’s length away and slightly below eye level.

• Reduce glare by using an anti-glare screen filter or adjusting your room lighting.
 

When to See Your Eye Doctor

If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms, it’s important to schedule an eye exam. Common signs that you should see an eye doctor include:

• Blurry or double vision

• Headaches

• Eye strain or fatigue

• Dry, burning, or itchy eyes

• Neck and shoulder pain

During an exam, our optometrist can properly diagnose the issue and recommend solutions. In some cases, they may suggest specialized lenses such as Neurolens, which are designed to correct eye misalignment and reduce strain associated with prolonged screen use.
 

Discover Solutions for Digital Eye Strain at Swoop Eye Care

Digital devices are a part of everyday life, but that doesn’t mean your eyes have to suffer. By taking preventative steps and knowing when to seek professional help, you can protect your vision and stay comfortable while using technology.

If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of computer vision syndrome, schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Swoop Eye Care to find relief and protect your long-term eye health. Contact our office in Richfield, Minnesota, by calling (612) 488-1566 to book an appointment today.