What is digital eye strain?

Digital eye strain is a group of eye and vision problems. The problems can include eyes that itch and tear, and are dry and red. Your eyes may feel tired or uncomfortable. You may not be able to focus normally. These problems are caused by lots of computer or digital device use. Using e-readers and smartphones may also cause these problems.

These problems have been increasing in frequency over the past few decades. Many people have some symptoms if they use a computer or digital device for long periods. Most computer or digital device users have symptoms at least some of the time. Digital eye strain is very common in both children and adults.

What causes digital eye strain?

For many reasons, reading text on a computer screen or digital device is often harder for the eyes than reading printed text. This is why working on a computer for a few hours may cause symptoms of digital eye strain, but reading a book may not.

Several factors help to cause digital eye strain, such as:

• Screen glare
• Poor lighting
• Poor posture while using a computer
• Viewing a computer at the wrong distance and angle
• Uncorrected vision problems
• A combination of many of these factors

People often blink less when using a computer than when reading printed text. This can cause dry eye, This may contribute to digital eye strain.