EYE HEALTH

Digital Eye Strain

Eight hours at a screen leaves its mark. Here is what we suggest you do about it.

Book Appointment

WHAT IS DIGITAL EYE STRAIN

Many of our patients' working day runs on screens. Laptop by 7am, phone use through the day and a familiar tiredness behind your eyes by bedtime.

Digital eye strain builds quietly and most people carry it for years without knowing it. An examination tells you what is actually happening.

SYMPTOMS

Do you recognise any of these?

Dry, irritated or burning eyes

When we focus on screens, we blink up to 60% less than usual. This reduces tear film coverage, leaving eyes feeling dry, gritty or uncomfortable - often worsening throughout the day.

Dry, irritated or burning eyes

When we focus on screens, we blink up to 60% less than usual. This reduces tear film coverage, leaving eyes feeling dry, gritty or uncomfortable - often worsening throughout the day.

Headaches - particularly after extended screen time

Screen-related headaches typically build behind the eyes or across the forehead. They're often caused by the eye muscles overworking to maintain focus - a sign your eyes need rest and assessment.

Headaches - particularly after extended screen time

Screen-related headaches typically build behind the eyes or across the forehead. They're often caused by the eye muscles overworking to maintain focus - a sign your eyes need rest and assessment.

Blurred vision

Difficulty shifting focus between your screen and the room around you is a key warning sign. Known as accommodative spasm, it means your eye muscles are struggling to adjust between distances.

Blurred vision

Difficulty shifting focus between your screen and the room around you is a key warning sign. Known as accommodative spasm, it means your eye muscles are struggling to adjust between distances.

Neck and shoulder tension

Poor screen positioning causes you to lean forward or tilt your head to see clearly - placing strain on your neck and shoulders. This often signals an uncorrected prescription rather than posture alone.

Neck and shoulder tension

Difficulty concentrating after hours

When your eyes are working harder than they should, your brain diverts energy to compensate - leaving less for focus and retention. If concentration dips after a few hours, your eyes may be the cause.

Difficulty concentrating after hours

Sensitivity to light or glare

Increased sensitivity to bright light or screen glare often develops gradually, making it easy to dismiss. It can indicate dry eye, early refractive changes, or prolonged visual fatigue - all worth investigating.

Sensitivity to light or glare

How sanders helps

We test, diagnose and prescribe. Thoroughly.

Step 1: Test To Diagnose

At Sanders, we begin with a comprehensive eye exam - including a refraction to confirm if a prescription change might be contributing to your symptoms.

Step 1: Test To Diagnose

At Sanders, we begin with a comprehensive eye exam - including a refraction to confirm if a prescription change might be contributing to your symptoms.

Step 2: Prescribe Next Step

Where needed, we prescribe lenses designed for screen use, advise on anti-reflective coatings and blue light filtration. We also provide advice for healthy screen habits.

Step 2: Prescribe Next Step

Where needed, we prescribe lenses designed for screen use, advise on anti-reflective coatings and blue light filtration. We also provide advice for healthy screen habits.

Step 3: Your Peace of Mind

The solution is often straightforward. Sometimes it reveals a refractive error that has been causing problems for months. Either way, you leave with a clear picture and a clear plan.

Step 3: Your Peace of Mind

The solution is often straightforward. Sometimes it reveals a refractive error that has been causing problems for months. Either way, you leave with a clear picture and a clear plan.

A simple habit that helps with digital eye strain...

For every 20 mins of screen time, look at something 20 feet (6m) away for 20 seconds. This gives your eye muscles a chance to relax and reduces strain build-up. It is not a substitute for an eye exam - but it is the most effective daily habit for anyone who works at a screen.

The 20-20-20 rule

A simple habit that helps with digital eye strain...

For every 20 mins of screen time, look at something 20 feet (6m) away for 20 seconds. This gives your eye muscles a chance to relax and reduces strain build-up. It is not a substitute for an eye exam - but it is the most effective daily habit for anyone who works at a screen.

The 20-20-20 rule

A simple habit that helps with digital eye strain...

For every 20 mins of screen time, look at something 20 feet (6m) away for 20 seconds. This gives your eye muscles a chance to relax and reduces strain build-up.

The 20-20-20 rule

Frequently Asked Questions...

How do I know if I have digital eye strain or something more serious?

Digital eye strain symptoms - dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision - typically improve with rest away from screens. If symptoms persist after a full night's sleep or even without screen use, it is worth booking an eye examination to rule out an underlying condition.

Can digital eye strain cause permanent damage to my eyes?

In most cases, no. Digital eye strain does not cause lasting damage to the eyes. However, it can mask or worsen an undetected refractive error, and chronic dry eye left unmanaged can affect the surface of the eye over time. Early assessment prevents complications.

Will glasses help with digital eye strain?

They can make a significant difference. An uncorrected or outdated prescription is one of the most common causes of screen-related symptoms. Lenses with an anti-reflective coating and, where appropriate, a slight adjustment for intermediate screen distance can dramatically reduce strain.

love what you see

Let’s begin with one examination.

Fill in the form to book your eye test and take the first step towards loving what you see.

Book your appointment

Send us your details and we'll confirm your appointment.
Our team typically responds within the same day.