Digital Eye Strain: How to Protect Your Vision in the Digital Age
In today’s screen-dominated world, it’s all too common to experience Digital Eye Strain after spending extended hours on computers, smartphones, and other digital devices. Whether it’s for work, school, or leisure, the average adult now spends more than seven hours each day looking at screens—and for many, that number is even higher.
This constant exposure can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and neck or shoulder pain.
How Are We Spending Our Screen Time?
How Are We Spending Our Screen Time?
Understanding how we use screens daily can shed light on why Digital Eye Strain is so common:
- Social Media: The average person spends 2–3 hours per day scrolling through social platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
- Streaming and Gaming: Watching TV shows, movies, or gaming accounts for another 2–4 hours per day on average.
- Work and Productivity: For professionals, 5–8 hours daily can be spent staring at computer monitors or other devices for work-related tasks.
- Miscellaneous Usage: Additional time includes shopping online, reading eBooks, and video calls, which add up quickly throughout the day.
With screens being integral to both work and leisure, it’s no surprise that Digital Eye Strain has become a widespread issue.
What is Digital Eye Strain?
Digital Eye Strain refers to the discomfort caused by prolonged screen use. Symptoms include:
- Dry, irritated eyes.
- Blurred vision.
- Headaches or neck and shoulder pain.
How to Reduce Eye Strain
- Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Look 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
- Adjust Screen Settings: Use blue light filters and lower brightness.
- Maintain Proper Distance: Keep screens 20–28 inches away and slightly below eye level.
- Take Regular Breaks: Step away from screens every hour.
The Future of Digital Eye Care
Researchers are exploring new ways to combat digital eye strain, from advanced screen technology to specialized lenses. Clinical trials are helping shape treatments to support healthier vision in a digital-first world.
While we do not currently have any trials investigating digital eye strain, some symptoms of eye conditions can be exasperated by extended screen use. For example, Dry Eye Disease.
Click the link below to check out some of Ora’s actively enrolling research studies.
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