Screen Time and Your Eyes: What You Need to Know

Digital eye strain is one of the most common reasons patients visit our clinic today. With many of us spending 8 or more hours a day looking at screens, our eyes are working harder than ever before.

Symptoms include tired eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and dryness. The good news is that most of these symptoms are preventable with a few simple habits.

The 20-20-20 Rule

Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eye muscles a chance to relax and reset. It sounds simple, but it makes a real difference — especially during long workdays.

Lighting Matters

Screen glare is a major contributor to eye strain. Position your screen so windows are to the side rather than in front or behind. Adjust brightness so your screen matches the ambient light in the room — not too bright, not too dim.

Don't Forget to Blink

When we concentrate on screens, our blink rate drops by up to two-thirds. This leads to dry, irritated eyes. Make a conscious effort to blink fully, and consider preservative-free artificial tears if your eyes feel dry.

When to See Us

If you experience persistent eye strain, headaches, or vision changes that do not improve with breaks, book an eye exam. Sometimes the issue is an uncorrected prescription rather than the screen itself.