TCO - Dec 2024 - 1

The Impact of Digital Eye Strain in the Remote Work Era

  • By:Dr. Katie Dugan

The use of technology is unavoidable in our modern world. Not only do people of all ages use screens for entertainment, but digital devices are often a significant part of your daily work activities. When you are using screens for so many hours every day, it’s critical to be proactive about taking care of your eyes and minimizing the risk of digital eye strain.

Digital Eye Strain: What You Need to Know

Additional research is still needed to understand the impact of using digital devices so much. The phrase “digital eye strain” (also known as “computer vision syndrome”) refers to common symptoms that some people get when they are looking at screens too much. Some of these symptoms include:

  • Eye fatigue
  • Dry eyes
  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision

The more you look at screens throughout the day, the higher the likelihood that you will experience one or more of these symptoms. The good news is that these symptoms are usually just temporary. There are ways that you can provide relief for your eyes and reduce the risk of symptoms in the future.

Various Modern Factors That Increase the Risk of Digital Eye Strain

How much time do you spend at the computer on a normal work day? Even if you have the option to work from home, a large percentage of your day is spent looking at the screen.

One other contributing factor for remote workers is the lack of ergonomic equipment in their home offices. If there is improper screen positioning and poor lighting, then it might increase the risk of digital eye strain.

Even if your company culture is to be always online, you need to prioritize breaks when you can step away from the computer. Without these breaks, the likelihood of visual discomfort will increase.

Tips for Reducing Digital Eye Strain

Various tips can be followed to help your eyes feel as comfortable as possible during your work day:

  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus your eyes on something that is at least 20 feet away)
  • Use anti-glare computer glasses to reduce the strain on your eyes
  • Make sure you always have proper lighting to manage screen glare
  • If your eyes are dry, consider using eye drops to alleviate these symptoms

Our Pro Eye Care Team is Here to Help

What questions do you have about your eye health? If you would like more information, you are welcome to reach out to us at any time. Contact us at Temecula Creek Optometry to schedule an appointment and talk to an experienced eye doctor: (951) 302 -1331.

Posted in: Eye Health