In today’s digital age, everyone—regardless of age—is spending significant time glued to screens. Whether working remotely, attending online school, or scrolling through social media, screens have become a central part of our daily lives. Even after work or school hours, many of us relax by binge-watching TV or playing games on smartphones. As screen time increases, so does the strain on our eyes. Prolonged exposure to digital screens can result in a specific kind of eye fatigue called computer vision syndrome (CVS). People experiencing this condition often report double vision, blurry vision, dry eyes, irritation, or headaches, especially after extended periods of work. Some even feel pressure around the eyes, which gradually leads to discomfort. Symptoms of CVS tend to worsen the longer the task demands uninterrupted focus. While taking regular breaks can alleviate some of the discomfort, digital screens have become an inescapable part of life. As workforces continue to rely heavily on computers, it’s essential to understand the causes of eye strain and explore practical solutions. Causes and Treatment for Digital Eye Strain 1. Dry Eye Component Research shows that when people focus on screens, they blink far less than usual, causing the tear film on the eye’s surface to dry out. This tear film is crucial for clear vision and keeps the eyes moist. When blinking decreases, the tears evaporate more rapidly, leading to eye irritation, burning sensations, and even blurry vision. Environmental factors, such as dry air, can worsen these symptoms. During winter months, heating systems further dry out the air, which can exacerbate dry eye disease. Similarly, sitting near fans or vents blowing directly into your workspace can make dry eyes worse. Solutions for Dry Eye Relief Blink more often : It may sound simple, but consciously reminding yourself to blink helps maintain a healthy tear film. Use artificial tears : Keep a bottle of eye drops nearby to lubricate your eyes throughout the day. Limit contact lens use : Contacts can increase dryness and block oxygen from reaching your cornea. Take breaks from wearing them. Avoid air blowing in your direction : Try to position yourself away from fans and vents. Stay hydrated : Drinking water throughout the day can help prevent dry eyes from becoming severe. Use a humidifier : Moistening the air in your workspace can relieve dry eye symptoms, especially in colder months. If symptoms persist, Framebar offers dry eye treatment options tailored to individual needs. Whether you need scleral lenses for dry eyes or recommendations for the best dry eye treatment, an eye doctor near you can evaluate and treat your symptoms effectively. 2. Accommodative Component Your eyes must focus at a specific distance to clearly view screens—typically at arm’s length. Over time, however, many of us unconsciously move closer to the screen, straining our eyes further. Wearing outdated prescriptions or improper lenses can exacerbate the issue, causing transient myopia (temporary nearsightedness). This can lead to difficulty seeing objects at a distance, as well as halos or glare around headlights when driving at night. Tips to Reduce Visual Fatigue Practice the 20/20/20 rule : Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away. This helps your eyes reset. Use specialized glasses : Consider wearing computer vision glasses to ease the strain on your eyes. These are different from blue light blocking glasses and are optimized for screen use. If the 20/20/20 rule isn’t enough, these glasses can provide extra clarity. Reduce blue light exposure at night : Although blue light doesn’t cause direct eye damage, it can disrupt your sleep. Use your device’s nighttime mode or invest in blue-light blocking glasses to reduce exposure before bedtime. Update your prescription : If you’re over 40, you may need progressive or bifocal lenses to improve both near and distance vision. Multifocal contact lenses are also an option for those preferring contact lenses. Maintain the right screen distance : Keep your monitor at arm’s length (approximately 30 inches) to avoid unnecessary strain.