Spending hours in front of a screen can leave your eyes dry, tired and sore. This group of symptoms is often called digital eye strain, and it's usually temporary and easily improved.
Common symptoms
- Tired, burning or dry eyes.
- Blurred vision.
- Headaches.
- Neck and shoulder pain.
Why it happens
When we focus on screens we blink far less, which dries the eye surface. Prolonged close-up focus also tires the eye muscles.
What helps
- Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (6 metres) away for 20 seconds.
- Blink on purpose. Do it fully and often.
- Adjust your screen: reduce glare, match brightness to your surroundings and increase text size.
- Keep your distance: about an arm's length from the screen.
- Use lubricating drops if your eyes feel dry, after checking with a pharmacist.
- Make sure the lighting is right, avoiding bright windows behind or in front of the screen.
Get regular eye exams
Uncorrected vision problems are a common cause of strain. An optician can check whether you need glasses or a new prescription.
See an eye professional if you have sudden vision changes, eye pain or flashes of light.
General information only, not medical advice. Always talk to a qualified health professional about your own situation.
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