What Is Digital Eye Strain and What Are the Common Symptoms?

With more people working remotely and students participating in online education, digital screens have become a constant part of everyday life. Whether you’re attending virtual meetings, completing school assignments, or spending hours on a laptop or tablet, extended screen time is now unavoidable for many individuals and families. While technology allows us to stay connected and productive, it can also place increased demands on our eyes.

What Is Digital Eye Strain?

Digital eye strain - also called computer vision syndrome - is a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from extended use of digital devices. Unlike reading printed text, screens often require your eyes to work harder due to factors like glare, screen brightness, small text, and constant focusing and refocusing.

Staring at screens for long periods also reduces how often you blink, which can lead to dryness and irritation. Over time, these visual demands can strain the eye muscles and affect overall comfort and performance.

Common Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain

Symptoms of digital eye strain can range from mild to persistent and may worsen the longer you use screens without breaks. Common symptoms include:

• Eye Discomfort and Fatigue: Many people experience tired, sore, or aching eyes after extended screen use. Your eyes may feel heavy or strained, especially toward the end of the day.

• Dry, Irritated, or Watery Eyes: Reduced blinking while using digital devices can cause dryness, burning, redness, or excessive tearing as your eyes try to compensate for dryness.

• Blurry or Fluctuating Vision: You may notice difficulty focusing, blurry vision, or vision that goes in and out of clarity when looking at a screen or shifting focus to objects at different distances.

• Headaches: Eye strain can trigger tension headaches, particularly around the forehead, temples, or behind the eyes.

• Neck, Shoulder, and Back Pain: Poor posture while using computers or mobile devices can contribute to muscle strain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, often accompanying visual discomfort.

• Light Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light, including screen glare or overhead lighting, is another common symptom associated with digital eye strain.

What Increases Your Risk?

Several factors can increase the likelihood or severity of digital eye strain, including:

• Spending long hours on digital devices without breaks

• Improper screen distance or height

• Glare from screens or surrounding lighting

• Uncorrected vision problems

• Inappropriate or outdated eyeglass prescriptions

When Should You See Your Eye Doctor?

Occasional eye discomfort after screen use is common, but you should schedule an eye exam if:

• Symptoms persist even after reducing screen time or taking breaks

• You experience frequent headaches related to screen use

• Your vision becomes consistently blurry or difficult to focus

• Eye dryness or irritation interferes with daily activities

• You haven’t had a comprehensive eye exam in over a year

Our eye doctor can evaluate your vision, identify underlying issues, and recommend solutions such as updated prescriptions, specialized computer glasses, or strategies to improve screen ergonomics.

Support Your Vision in a Digital World

Digital eye strain is a common condition in today’s screen-focused lifestyle, but it doesn’t have to interfere with your comfort or productivity. Recognizing the symptoms early and taking proactive steps can help protect your vision and keep your eyes feeling their best.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of digital eye strain or spend long hours on digital devices, schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Wilson Eyecare Professionals today. Visit our office in Greenfield, Indiana, or call (317) 477-3937 to book an appointment.