Screen-Based Eye Strain
Technology plays an important role in our daily lives. From staying connected with friends and family to working, learning, and relaxing, screens help make many tasks easier and more accessible. Smartphones, computers, tablets, and gaming devices are now part of everyday routines for both adults and children.
With increased screen use, however, it’s common to experience eye discomfort. Many people notice symptoms such as tired eyes, dryness, headaches, or blurred vision after spending long periods on digital devices. Extended screen time can also place added demands on developing eyes, and research suggests it may be associated with a higher risk of myopia (nearsightedness) in children.
This collection of symptoms is often referred to as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. While it’s very common, the good news is that small adjustments can often make a meaningful difference.
If you’re noticing eye discomfort related to screen use, we’re here to help. During your visit, we’ll talk with you about your screen habits and visual needs, and offer personalized recommendations to help improve comfort and support long‑term eye health.
When you’re ready, we invite you to schedule an appointment and let us help you find relief from digital eye strain.
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Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain
There are a few common symptoms associated with digital eye strain, including:
- Dry eyes
- Headaches
- Eye strain
- Blurry vision
- Neck and shoulder pain
Often, symptoms will alleviate when you take a solid screen time break. But, the discomfort will return once you’re in front of a digital device again. To find long-term relief, you’ll need to implement some prevention strategies.
It’s also important to visit your optometrist to help detect any other conditions that might affect your eye comfort.
Mitigating Digital Eye Strain
Adjusting your work area, taking intentional screen breaks, and ensuring you have sufficient lighting while using your digital device are all strategies that can help reduce digital eye strain.
Office (or classroom) ergonomics and proper posture can help keep you comfortable while using digital devices. While you’re at your desk, be sure to sit upright with your feet flat on the floor. Your shoulders should not be rounded or hunched, and your neck should align with your torso.
Keep devices at eye level and your keyboard and mouse near enough to prevent reaching.
Remind kids to keep their backs lined up with their chairs, or imagine keeping their backs straight as a tree.
If you’re reading on your digital device, increase the font size to minimize squinting. Contrast and color tones should also be set to maximize your comfort.
Talk to your child about what font size feels most comfortable for them and help them make appropriate contrast adjustments.
The light levels both in the room around you and on your device can help prevent digital eye strain. Turn down your screen’s brightness to match the lighting levels of your surroundings. If the light from the room reflects on your screen, the glare can also contribute to eye strain.
Anti-glare screens are available for your device’s display, and glasses with an anti-reflective coating can help.
Remind your kids to turn on the lights in dark rooms to avoid tired eyes.
When you’re concentrating on your work, it might be challenging to take a break, but following the 20-20-20 rule can help to relax your eyes. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps give your eyes a chance to refocus, reducing strain.
Set a reminder on your phone or set up parental controls on your kid’s device for scheduled breaks and screen time limits.
Kids & Digital Eye Strain
Increased device use also means kids are spending more time indoors. Along with the World Health Organization, we highly recommend limiting screen time and encouraging outside time/play. If you can avoid introducing devices to your child until later elementary school this will help provide greater opportunity for visual, motor, and social skills development.
During your child’s annual exam, we will partner with you to develop the best strategies to keep your child’s eyes healthy and seeing well!
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Where to Park
We’re located at 5001 Bissonnet Street, between South Rice and North 3rd Avenues.
Free parking is available in the lot below the building.
Our Address
- 5001 Bissonnet St #107
- Bellaire, TX 77401
Contact Information
- Phone: 713-664-8087
- Email: appointments@bfeye.com
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