How Do I Know If I Have Digital Eyestrain?

Digital eye strain is a real thing.

It’s not just something we’re making up because we want to get out of work early.

Digital eye strain is caused by staring at screens for too long, and it’s especially problematic for people who have to stare at their screens all day, whether they’re reading documents or reading text on their phones.

While it may just seem like a nuisance, this condition can actually cause problems down the road when left untreated. Read on as an Arvada, CO talks about what digital eyestrain is, what causes it, and signs to watch for.

What Is Digital Eyestrain?

Digital eyestrain, also known as Computer Vision Syndrome, or CVS, is a condition that affects the eyes and brain of many people who spend time in front of a computer or staring at a phone. While it’s not an official medical diagnosis, it’s still something to be aware of—and something to treat if you start to experience symptoms.

Factors that can cause CVS include:

• Your eyes are misaligned, which makes it harder for your eyes and brain to take in information
• The strain on your eyes from staring at a screen for long periods of time
• The way you’re holding your head while looking down at the screen
• The strain on your neck from improperly positioned monitors or phones the way you’re focusing on your screen in general.

Symptoms of Digital Eyestrain

Here are the most common symptoms of digital eyestrain: 

• Blurred vision 
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Light sensitivity 
• Dry eyes 
• Fatigue 
• Stinging or burning eyes that can last for hours 
• Soreness around your eyes 
• Blurred vision, especially near the end of the day 
• Itchy eyes
• Redness 

Who’s Most at Risk of Digital Eyestrain?

Digital eyestrain is common among people who spend a lot of time behind computers or tablets—especially if they don’t take breaks from looking at those screens regularly throughout their workday (or even day-to-day). 

But anyone who uses a computer, smartphone, or tablet is at risk of digital eyestrain. That includes people who do a lot of reading on devices as well as those who spend hours on social media sites like Facebook and Instagram.

If you think you have computer vision syndrome, or if your eyes are feeling tired after a long day at work (even with breaks), it’s worth getting checked out by an optometrist. They can help you figure out if there’s anything wrong with your eyesight or give some tips on how to make things more comfortable at work.

If you have more questions or wish to schedule an eye exam, please don’t hesitate to call our Arvada, CO optometry office today!