Screen Time and Eye Strain: Simple Fixes That Help

Extended screen time has become part of daily routines for work, school, and entertainment. As convenient as digital devices are, they often take a toll on the eyes. Symptoms like dryness, blurred vision, headaches, and difficulty focusing are common signs of digital eye strain. If ignored, these symptoms may evolve into more serious eye and vision problems that interfere with long-term visual health. Fortunately, there are practical steps to reduce screen-related discomfort and preserve your eyesight:

• Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
  Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eye muscles a much-needed break from constant focusing.
• Adjust Your Screen Settings
  Lowering screen brightness, increasing contrast, and enlarging text size can make a big difference. You should also position your screen about an arm’s length away and slightly below eye level.
• Reduce Glare
  Use anti-reflective screen protectors or position your device to avoid direct light. Glare increases strain and causes your eyes to work harder than necessary.
• Blink Often
  Screen use tends to reduce blink rates, leading to dryness. Make a conscious effort to blink more frequently or use artificial tears if needed.
• Schedule Regular Eye Exams
  Even if symptoms seem mild, routine visits to an optical care provider help detect early signs of strain or more complex issues.

Children who use screens for schoolwork or play are especially at risk. Pediatric eye care helps detect vision changes early and supports healthy development.

Visual Ophthalmology Services, P.C. provides advanced diagnoses and treatment for a full range of eye and vision problems. Whether you’re dealing with screen-related strain or simply need a trusted optical care provider, our team is here to support your eye health at every stage of life. To reach us, call the Ridgewood office at 718-418-0100, the Corona location at 718-271-4472, or our Astoria clinic at 718-204-6667.