Digital Eye Strain

Digital screens are widely used in social and professional life. However, it should be noted that they can also place a significant burden on eye health. Focusing on devices such as computers, phones, and tablets for long periods can lead to discomfort, decreased visual comfort, and general fatigue over time. This condition is called digital eye strain. With the widespread use of screens today, it can be said that there has been a significant increase in the number of people experiencing digital eye strain.

Of course, digital eye strain can affect all age groups, from young to old. However, some groups, such as office workers and students, should pay more attention to eye health issues when using screens. This is because they experience more eye health complaints due to their increased exposure to digital screens. As the time spent focusing on the screen increases, eye problems can begin to manifest themselves.

What is digital eye strain?

Digital eye strain, also known as Computer Vision Syndrome, is a condition that results from prolonged exposure to digital screens and causes various eye or vision-related complaints. It is known to be more common in people who spend long periods of time looking at screens.

When looking at a screen, the eye muscles focus on close distances, and this can cause eye strain after a while. This is because the eyes' natural resting cycle is disrupted, and the number of blinks decreases. Blinking keeps the eye surface moist, and when the blinking rate decreases, the level of moisture in the eyes also decreases. Therefore, complaints of screen-induced eye strain may arise.

In general, digital screens have this kind of effect on eye health, which can make daily life difficult. This is because eye strain isn't the only problem; it can also have negative effects on the head, neck, and shoulders. In short, prolonged focus on digital screens can cause problems not only for eye health but also for the head and surrounding areas.

The Most Common Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain

In general, eye strain is not felt with the same severity in every individual. However, we can say that the symptoms are quite similar. Only the severity of the symptoms may vary from person to person. The amount of time spent in front of a screen also affects the extent to which digital eye strain symptoms are experienced. Common symptoms of digital eye strain are as follows:

  • Burning and dryness sensation in the eyes.
  • Feeling of heaviness and pressure around the eyes
  • Temporary blurred vision
  • Experiencing headache and eye strain simultaneously.
  • Sensitivity to light develops.
  • Inability to focus for long periods and quick fatigue.
  • Stiffness or pain occurring in the neck, shoulder, and back area.

In some people, symptoms lessen when screen time is interrupted and reappear when focus returns. However, it's crucial to mention a critical point here: if these symptoms are not taken seriously, they may become permanent over time. In other words, the symptoms don't lessen when screen time is avoided. Therefore, eye health should never be neglected while using screens.

What Causes Digital Eye Strain?

First, it's important to note that digital eye strain isn't caused by a single factor. Multiple elements can contribute to this condition. The most common causes can be listed as follows:

  • Prolonged focus on close distances.

As you know, focusing on a phone or tablet means your eyes are constantly looking at a close distance. This prevents the eye muscles from resting, and eye strain can quickly occur.

  • Decrease in Blinking Rate

When focusing on a screen, the number of blinks decreases significantly. Normally, blinking keeps the eye surface regularly moist, but this mechanism weakens during screen use. Therefore, the reduced moisture level in the eyes can lead to burning and dryness.

  • Blue Light Exposure

Digital screens emit blue light, which has a wavelength that is extremely tiring for the eyes. Exposure to blue light significantly contributes to the increased risk of screen-induced eye strain during prolonged screen use.

  • Incorrect Screen Settings

Setting the screen brightness to excessively bright or the contrast to very low is not a good choice. This causes the eyes to exert more effort, inevitably leading to eye strain. Therefore, screen settings should be adjusted to the most suitable level for eye health.

  • Incorrect screen positioning.

Positioning the screen too high or too low at eye level is also harmful. This strains not only the eyes but also the neck and shoulder muscles, potentially leading to headaches and eye strain. Positioning the screen at eye level is crucial for preventing these problems.

Who is more likely to experience digital eye strain?

Here is a short list of people who are more likely to experience eye strain:

  • Those who look at screens for more than 4 hours a day
  • Office workers and desk workers
  • Software developers, designers, and content creators.
  • Remote workers
  • Students
  • Individuals playing games

These individuals should focus as much as possible on preventative solutions and avoid digital eye strain. Because they spend longer periods of time looking at screens than others, the risk of experiencing these complaints is higher for this group.

How to Prevent/Reduce Digital Eye Strain?

First, let's state that digital eye strain can be prevented or its symptoms reduced by taking various measures. Here's what you can do about it:

  • The 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, looking 20 feet (approximately 6 meters) away for about 20 seconds helps relax the eye muscles. This method is quite simple and is one of the most commonly practiced ways to protect eye health while using screens.
  • Conscious Blinking: Remembering to blink while in front of a screen helps keep the eye surface moist and reduces burning and dryness. Therefore, you should consciously blink whenever you remember to do so.
  • Correct Screen Positioning: Positioning the screen slightly below eye level is important for both eye and neck health.
  • Ambient Lighting: Environments that are too dark or too bright strain the eyes. Balanced lighting reduces the risk of screen-induced eye strain, and therefore ambient lighting should also be adjusted to suit eye health.
  • Wearing Glasses: Glasses with special lenses that filter blue light can improve eye comfort while using screens. Wearing blue light filter glasses is a particularly helpful solution for individuals who are exposed to screens for extended periods. You can browse and easily purchase blue light filter glasses on our website.

Choosing Glasses for Digital Eye Strain

It's important to note that choosing the right glasses is crucial for those who spend long periods exposed to screens. These glasses are also commonly known as computer glasses or blue light glasses. The question of what screen glasses are for is often unclear. These glasses filter blue light from the screen, thus preventing problems caused by blue light and reducing digital eye strain. They also have other effects, such as balancing contrast and improving focus.

Olivewing.store's blue light filter glasses aim to combine the comfort required by digital life with eye health. Computer glasses models suitable for all age groups can be viewed on our online ordering site. Models suitable for daily use are also among the alternatives. Those who want to find the most affordable blue light filter glasses prices should also visit our site.

Among our modern blue light filter glasses, you can find the options that best suit your face shape. We offer a wide range of models and colors, making it easy to choose the perfect pair for you. Integrate these designs into your daily life and take precautions against digital eye strain.

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