Do You Need a Screen Time-Out?

Using screens every day is normal, but having sore and tired eyes shouldn’t be. If your eyes hurt when using digital devices, you might be experiencing digital eye strain (DES).

Anyone can experience DES, but it can be especially challenging for people with existing vision problems. At Total Vision La Mesa, we’ve got what it takes to help you avoid DES and reduce its impact on your life.

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What Does Digital Eye Strain Feel Like?

Some of DES’s most common symptoms include:

Blurry vision
Headaches
Pain in the neck or shoulders
Dry eyes

Why Does Digital Eye Strain Happen?

Blinking Less

We usually blink less when we’re staring at screens, which can make our eyes feel dry and tired. Any muscle in the body will get stiff and sore if you use it too long without a break, and the same goes for the tiny ones that focus your eyes.

Blue Light

Almost every digital display produces blue light, which is also a natural part of sunlight. There’s no conclusive link between blue light and eye strain, but research suggests blue light from screens can affect your circadian rhythms and make it harder for you to sleep restfully—which might make your eyes feel tired the next day.

Our Advice For Avoiding DES

Our eye doctors can give you personalized strategies for preventing DES and reducing its effects. We might suggest:

The 20-20-20 rule, which gives the muscles that focus your eyes periodic breaks during screen use and lets them recover. Following this rule is easy; just stare at an object approximately 20 feet away for 20 seconds, once every 20 minutes!
Specific eyewear that filters out blue light from screens. Some research suggests that computer vision glasses can promote restful sleep if you’re in the habit of using screens before bed. Ask our opticians about this option.

You shouldn’t have to deal with discomfort from DES just because you use digital devices. Contact us today and learn more about how we can restore comfort to your eyes.

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