From phones and laptops to televisions and tablets, screens have become part of almost every hour of the day. While they make life easier in many ways, long periods of screen use can leave eyes feeling tired, dry and strained. The good news is that a few simple habits can make a big difference to your comfort and long-term eye health.
Here is how to look after your vision in a world full of screens.
What is digital eye strain?
Digital eye strain describes the discomfort many people feel after long periods of screen use. Symptoms include tired or sore eyes, blurred vision, dryness, headaches and aching in the neck or shoulders. It happens because our eyes work hard to focus on screens and we tend to blink less while concentrating.
Take regular screen breaks
Every so often, look away from your screen at something in the distance for a little while. This gives the focusing muscles in your eyes a chance to relax. Standing up, stretching and moving around also helps your neck, shoulders and circulation.
Remember to blink
When we concentrate on screens, we blink far less than usual, which can make eyes dry and irritated. Try to blink fully and often. If dryness continues, a pharmacist or doctor can recommend suitable lubricating eye drops.
Set up your screen well
Position your screen at about arm's length and slightly below eye level. Reduce glare by adjusting lighting and avoiding bright windows directly behind or in front of the screen. Increasing text size and adjusting brightness to match your surroundings can also ease strain.
Feed your eyes
A balanced diet supports eye health. Leafy greens, colourful vegetables, eggs, oily fish, nuts and citrus fruits provide nutrients that help protect the eyes as you age.
Have regular eye checks
Regular eye examinations can detect vision changes and eye conditions early, often before you notice symptoms. Seek prompt advice for sudden changes in vision, eye pain, flashes of light or persistent redness.
Children's eyes need care too. Encourage outdoor play and regular breaks from tablets and games to support healthy vision as they grow.
Our General Healthcare team can help with eye comfort concerns and guide you to the right eye care.