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With Australians spending more time on digital devices than ever before, concerns about the impact of screen exposure on eye health are growing. Digital eye strain—also referred to as computer vision syndrome—is now a common condition affecting people of all ages.
In this article, we’ll explore what digital eye strain is, what causes it, how to identify the symptoms, and practical ways to reduce or prevent it. We’ll also discuss when to seek professional care and the treatment options available.
Digital eye strain refers to a collection of vision and eye-related symptoms caused by prolonged use of computers, tablets, smartphones, and other digital screens. It occurs when the eyes are overworked from extended screen time, often leading to discomfort and difficulty focusing.
Recent data shows that Australians spend up to 42% of their waking hours in front of a screen (Source: UOWTV). This statistic highlights the importance of understanding how screen habits can impact long-term eye health.
Spending long hours staring at screens forces the eye muscles to stay in a fixed position, reducing the natural blink rate. This often results in dryness, irritation, and fatigue.
Using a bright screen in a dim environment, or dealing with glare from natural or artificial light, can create significant contrast and stress for the eyes.
If you have underlying vision issues—such as astigmatism, farsightedness, or presbyopia—using digital devices without corrective lenses can worsen symptoms.
Learn more about our comprehensive eye tests to ensure your vision is properly corrected for screen use.
Improper screen height, incorrect viewing distance, and poor posture can all contribute to digital eye strain, particularly when paired with prolonged screen use.
Digital eye strain can present in a variety of ways. Common symptoms include:
Dry or irritated eyes
Eye fatigue or soreness
Blurred or double vision
Light sensitivity
Headaches
Difficulty focusing
Neck and shoulder discomfort
Feeling of heavy eyelids or drowsiness during screen use
If you experience any of these symptoms regularly, it may be time to adjust your screen habits or consult an optometrist.
Preventing digital eye strain often involves a combination of behavioural changes and environmental adjustments. Below are evidence-based strategies that can make a meaningful difference.
Every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This simple practice gives your eyes a much-needed break from near-focus activity.
Adjust your screen brightness to match your environment. Increasing text size and contrast can also reduce eye strain.
Ensure your workspace is well lit. Avoid glare by positioning your screen away from direct light sources and using blinds or anti-glare filters where needed.
Sit upright with your feet flat on the floor and your screen at eye level. Poor posture not only affects your neck and back but can indirectly worsen eye strain.
An anti-glare screen filter can help reduce reflective light and ease visual stress.
Blue light filtering glasses or screen settings may help reduce the amount of high-energy visible (HEV) blue light reaching your eyes, particularly during evening screen use.
In addition to the 20-20-20 rule, take longer breaks every hour by stepping away from screens altogether.
If you experience dry eyes, consult your optometrist about using lubricating eye drops to maintain moisture and comfort during screen use. Learn more about how we manage dry eye at our Dry Eye Clinic.
If lifestyle adjustments are not enough to manage your symptoms, professional treatment may be required.
A full eye exam can identify any underlying vision issues that may be contributing to your discomfort. Your optometrist can also assess your screen use habits and provide tailored recommendations. Book your eye test online for expert assessment.
Specialised eyeglasses designed for digital use can reduce visual strain by improving focus and reducing glare. These lenses are often coated to minimise reflections and filter blue light.
If your symptoms include dryness or irritation, your optometrist may recommend a targeted treatment plan to address dry eye syndrome. Visit our Dry Eye Clinic to learn about available solutions.
It’s important to consult an optometrist if you experience persistent:
Blurred or double vision
Frequent headaches
Eye fatigue or soreness
Difficulty focusing
Dry, itchy, or irritated eyes
These may be signs of digital eye strain or an undiagnosed vision issue. Regular check-ups help maintain your overall eye health and ensure early detection of any problems.
We recommend booking an eye exam at least once a year—more frequently if you are a heavy screen user or have ongoing symptoms. Find out more about our eye test services.
If you’re based in Perth, our experienced optometrists can assess your vision and provide individualised treatment for digital eye strain.
Book your appointment today for comprehensive care tailored to your needs.
Not in Perth? Search for “optometrist near me” to find a trusted provider in your area.
As screen time continues to rise, understanding and managing the risks to your eye health has never been more important. By taking proactive steps—like following the 20-20-20 rule, maintaining good posture, and seeking regular eye exams—you can significantly reduce the impact of digital eye strain.
Our team is here to support you with professional advice and effective treatments. Book an appointment to protect your vision and maintain comfort in the digital age.
Digital Eye Strain: Protect Your Eyes with Expert Tips
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