Relieving Discomfort from Screens in a Digital World
With screens now part of nearly every aspect of daily life. It’s no surprise that many people experience tired, dry, or blurry eyes after long hours of use. Known as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome, this condition is increasingly common in both adults and children in Singapore.
At London Eye & Retina, we help you understand the causes of digital eye strain and offer solutions to reduce its impact, from personalised eye care to practical daily adjustments.
What Is Digital Eye Strain?
Digital eye strain refers to a group of symptoms that occur after prolonged use of digital devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. It affects the eyes’ ability to focus comfortably and can lead to physical and visual fatigue.
Common Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain
You may be experiencing digital eye strain if you notice:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dry, irritated, or watery eyes
- Eye fatigue or heaviness
- Headaches, especially around the eyes
- Neck, shoulder, or back discomfort
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Difficulty concentrating
Symptoms often worsen after long periods of screen use and may affect productivity or concentration.
What Causes Digital Eye Strain?
Several factors contribute to eye strain in a digital environment:
- Reduced blink rate when staring at screens
- Poor lighting or screen glare
- Inappropriate screen distance or angle
- Incorrect glasses or outdated prescription
- Prolonged near focus without breaks
- Underlying dry eye or uncorrected vision issues
Solutions for Digital Eye Strain
1. Comprehensive Eye Exam
- Check for refractive errors or eye muscle imbalances.
- Assess tear film quality for underlying dry eye.
- Evaluate binocular vision and focusing ability.
2. Prescription Updates
- Ensure your glasses or contact lenses are suitable for digital work.
- Consider specialised computer or anti-fatigue lenses.
3. Dry Eye Treatment
- Artificial tears, lubricating gels, or prescription drops
- Eyelid hygiene advice and lifestyle modifications
4. Lifestyle & Screen Habits
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Adjust screen settings for contrast and brightness.
- Maintain proper posture and screen distance (about arm’s length)
- Use anti-glare filters or adjust lighting in your workspace.
- Encourage children to take frequent breaks during screen time.
For Children and Teens
Kids are especially vulnerable to digital eye strain due to increased screen time for school and entertainment. Prolonged close work may also contribute to faster myopia progression. We offer tailored advice for children’s screen habits and myopia prevention strategies.
Don't Ignore the Signs
Digital eye strain isn’t just a nuisance. It can affect long-term eye comfort and performance. With the right steps, most people find significant relief.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. James Ng at London Eye & Retina and explore your options for clearer, sharper sight.
Let us help you enjoy your screen time without the strain.
