Do your eyes often feel tired or strained after staring at screens for long periods? Digital eye strain, sometimes called computer vision syndrome, is an increasingly common issue in today’s technology-driven world. So, why do our eyes get so tired after staring at screens for long stretches? The reasons can vary from reduced blinking to improper lighting, and even the way we position ourselves while using devices. It’s important to understand these causes so we can effectively address them. Let’s explore some reasons why this may be happening as well as some tips for finding relief.
The root causes of digital eye strain
There are a few reasons why your eyes may feel tired after staring at screens:
1. Reduced blinking
When we stare at screens, we tend to blink less often. Studies suggest we blink 66% less often when looking at screens. Blinking is essential for keeping our eyes moist and lubricated. When we don’t blink as often, our eyes dry out, leading to discomfort and fatigue.
2. Blue light exposure
Digital screens emit blue light, a high-energy visible light that can strain the eyes over time. There’s no evidence that blue light from digital devices can cause permanent eye damage. However, it can contribute to digital eye strain and make it harder for your eyes to focus. Blue light exposure can also affect sleep quality because it suppresses the secretion of melatonin, a hormone that regulates the body’s sleep-wake cycles.
3. Focusing up close for long periods
Your eyes work harder when focusing on something up close, such as a computer screen. If you’re looking at close-up objects for long periods, the lens of your eyes doesn’t have a chance to relax, leading to tired, sore eyes by the end of the day.
4. Poor lighting or screen brightness
Working in dim lighting or with a screen that’s too bright or dim can strain your eyes by forcing them to work harder. Glare from screens can also make it harder for your eyes to focus, resulting in eye strain and other vision problems.
5. Incorrect screen distance
Many of us sit too close to our screens without realizing it. Ideally, your computer monitor should be about 20–30 inches away from your eyes, with the top of the screen at or just below eye level. If you’re too close or looking at the screen at an awkward angle, it can put extra strain on your eyes.
Tips to reduce eye fatigue from screens
There are steps you can take to reduce digital eye strain and keep your eyes feeling comfortable, even after long hours in front of a screen.
1. Practice the 20-20-20 rule
To lower your risk of eye strain and fatigue, look away from your computer screen every 20 minutes and stare at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eye muscles a chance to relax and refocus.
2. Blink more often
Remember to blink frequently while working at a computer. If you keep forgetting to blink, try using a reminder app or putting a sticky note on your monitor.
3. Adjust your screen settings
Make sure your screen’s brightness matches the lighting in your environment to avoid straining your eyes. You can also increase the font size on your devices to make reading easier and reduce the need for squinting.
4. Use blue light filters
Consider wearing blue light glasses or installing a blue light filter on your devices. These filters can help reduce eye strain, particularly if you use screens late at night when blue light exposure can impact your sleep quality.
5. Set up your workspace properly
Position your screen about an arm’s length away and right below eye level. If possible, use an adjustable chair to maintain proper posture, which can also help reduce strain on your neck and shoulders.
When to see an eye doctor
If you’re still experiencing tired, strained eyes after trying these tips, our eye doctors in Marion can help. They can check for underlying vision problems, such as astigmatism or farsightedness, that may be contributing to your discomfort. We may also recommend prescription glasses specifically designed for computer use, sometimes called “computer glasses,” to help relieve your symptoms even more.
Your eyes work hard all day long, and with so much time spent in front of digital screens, it’s no wonder they can get tired. If you continue to struggle with eye fatigue, contact our office to schedule an eye exam in Marion and explore more personalized solutions.