SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — The average screen time in the U.S. is seven hours per day. Whether it is a cell phone, tablet, computer, laptop, or TV, prolonged viewing of digital screens can cause problems for the eyes. Using a digital screen causes the eyes to work harder and may exacerbate undiagnosed eye or visual problems.
Common symptoms of digital eye strain are as follows:
— Eye fatigue
— Headaches
— Blurred vision
— Dryness
— Tearing
The symptoms may be related to undercorrection or overcorrection in glasses or contacts, dry eye syndrome, poor lighting, screen glare, and/or unsuitable viewing distances. Digital eye strain can be evaluated and treated by your eye doctor with a comprehensive eye exam. Your doctor may perform testing to determine the underlying cause and provide a management plan. In mild cases, the best way to alleviate symptoms is to use the 20-20-20 rule; every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break to view something 20 feet away.
Written by Dr. Mercedes Smith, optometrist at Springfield Family Eyecare.
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