Digital eye strain is not a disease, but it is a very real collection of symptoms caused by long screen sessions. The good news: it usually improves quickly when you adjust your habits and workstation.
Common signs of digital eye strain
- Dry, tired, or burning eyes
- Blurry vision or slow refocusing
- Headaches after screen time
- Neck or shoulder tension from leaning in
Why screens are harder on your eyes
Staring at a screen reduces blink rate and forces your focusing muscles to hold steady at a single distance. Glare, small text, and poor lighting make the eyes work even harder.
Quick fixes you can try today
- Use the 20-20-20 rule to reset focus every 20 minutes.
- Increase text size so you never squint.
- Match screen brightness to room lighting.
- Angle the monitor slightly below eye level.
- Blink more and keep water nearby to stay hydrated.
Build a screen-friendly workspace
Distance matters. Keep your monitor about an arm's length away and use a chair that keeps your head upright. If you are in a bright room, shift the screen to avoid window glare or add a soft desk lamp.
Sudden vision loss, eye pain, or flashes of light are urgent symptoms. Seek professional care right away if they occur.
When to get a professional exam
If symptoms last for weeks, you get frequent headaches, or you notice persistent blur at any distance, schedule an in-person eye exam. A prescription update or dry-eye treatment can make screen work much easier.
Where a quick online test fits in
Online screenings help you monitor changes between full exams. Try a quick vision test or contrast check if screen work feels harder than usual.
Give your eyes a break, then run a fast check-in with EyeTest Online to see how you are doing.