Managing Digital Eye Fatigue in Sydney
In today’s digitally driven world, most of us spend a significant portion of our day staring at screens, whether for work or leisure. At HineSight, we understand the challenges of digital eye strain. Our optometrist, Narelle Hine, provides practical solutions to manage and alleviate the symptoms associated with prolonged digital device usage, helping you maintain optimal eye vision and comfort.
Visit HineSight to learn more about our digital eye strain solutions and how we can tailor them to your lifestyle and vision needs.
The Impact of Digital Screens on Our Eyes
Digital screens are particularly challenging for our eyes because they require our visual system to work harder. The text and images on a screen are made of pixels, which our eyes perceive as less clear than ink on paper. Staring at a computer requires our eyes to focus more intensely and frequently adjust focus when switching between digital devices and other activities.
Digital screens emit blue light, which can be harsh on our eyes and lead to eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. Symptoms of digital eye strain include:
- Eye discomfort and fatigue
- Dry eyes due to reduced blinking
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Neck and shoulder pain
Avoiding Digital Eye Fatigue: What You
Need To Know
Blink To Ensure A Comfortable Tear Film
The human eye has evolved at a different rate than digital technology. The eye's surface must be moist to maintain optimal comfort and clear vision. So, keeping our regular blink rate (every 6 to 8 seconds) is crucial. It’s important to know that our blink rate reduces by 30% when viewing digital devices, so adult professional screen users need a break every 45 minutes for 3 to 4 minutes to restore our tear film. This period reduces to 15 -20 minutes for children! However, mobile phone scrollers need a 60-second break every 15 minutes because the closer viewing distance places extra demand on the muscles that control how our eyes focus.
Working Distance Ergonomics
Digital eye strain is a given if we don’t have the right screen set up, font size and working distance. The recommended focal length for a desktop screen is 55 cm, using N8 to N10 font size. Eye strain can also occur due to blurred vision when our glasses are not the correct prescription for the screen's working distance. If you find yourself leaning into the screen, it's a sign that you may need an eye examination and a new lens prescription to restore your comfortable working distance.
Mobile phone screens should be viewed at least 25 cm to 30 cm away from your face to reduce the stress of sustained focus.
Digital Eye Strain Tips and Solutions
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple break from screen time, proven to be effective, helps rest your eyes and reduces eye fatigue. This simple routine will reduce your feelings of eye strain.
Blinking moistens your eyes to prevent dryness and irritation. Make a conscious effort to blink more often, especially while using a computer screen.
Feel the Comfort of Occupational Glasses
As you get older, occupational lenses can significantly enhance visual comfort for desktop users. These lenses outperform everyday progressive glasses by providing larger reading areas and allowing for a more comfortable neck and head posture when looking at a desktop screen.
Many of us find that simple reading glasses are no longer sufficient for viewing mobile phones and desktop screens. The sophisticated optics of occupational lenses address the varied focal lengths needed for all our digital devices. Our optometrist, Narelle Hine, will discuss the benefits of occupational lenses during your eye exam.
How HineSight Can
Help You!
- Comprehensive Eye Exams: Regular eye exams can help detect and address any underlying issues contributing to digital eye strain.
- Occupational Lenses: Use occupational lenses, designed for screen use, these lenses filter blue light and coatings that reduce glare. The advanced optics of occupational lenses create larger reading areas, allowing for more relaxed viewing with normal neck and head posture. Progressive lens wearers especially appreciate the comfort of occupational lenses when using screens.
