With an increased demand for technology in our lives, especially while working from home or learning remotely, our eyes have suffered. Although technology can be quite beneficial, it has also brought on negative side effects, particularly for our eye health. Today, most people stare at screens all day long, whether it is their cell phone, tablet, computer, or television, they all have a screen. At Howerton Eye, we want to limit your use of screen time or at least lessen the damage that it may cause. We want to educate all of our patients on the dangers of digital eye strain, the effects it can have on our eye health, and how to protect our eyes from further damage.

Unfortunately, this is exactly what it sounds like. It occurs when our eyes stare at a computer screen for extended periods of time. The most common symptoms of computer vision syndrome include the following:

  • Dry eyes
  • Headaches
  • Light sensitivity
  • Blurry vision
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Eye strain

Depending on the patient, these symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe digital eye strain. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and constantly use electronic devices like a computer screen, you may be suffering from computer vision syndrome. Please contact Howerton Eye, to schedule an appointment. We will examine your eye health to determine if there is eye damage and which course of action should be taken.

How to Protect Your Eyes From Digital Eye Strain

Howerton Eye wants to equip you with tips to protect your eyes, even when using a cellphone or computer.

  • Have routine comprehensive eye exams to ensure your eyes are healthy and your glasses or contacts prescriptions are up-to-date. If the damage is present, it can be treated earlier rather than later.
  • Upgrade your devices with a flat-panel LED screen with an anti-reflective surface to decrease digital eye strain and ultimately decrease eye damage.
  • Adjust the settings on your computer screen. To decrease digital eye strain, you can change the brightness, the text size and contrast, and the color temperature.
  • Blink often when looking at any screen to ensure your eyes are moist. By doing so you will decrease potential dry eyes and blurry vision. Most people naturally blink less when staring at a screen. To counter this, we recommend blinking ten times every twenty minutes while working on the computer or phone.
  • Take breaks from the computer or cellphone screen. Please make sure you look away from the screen from time to time or leave the screen for a walk. This will help decrease any digital eye strain you may have been experiencing.

Contact Howerton Eye for Your Next Eye Exam!

If you are concerned about your eye health and the light from your computer, cellphone, or tablet, talk to the eye experts at Howerton Eye. Our experienced ophthalmologists and eye doctors will help you prevent and treat digital eye strain and retinal damage. To schedule an appointment, contact Howerton Eye today! We look forward to seeing you and ensuring you can see clearly!