Screen Fatigue Explained: All about Digital Eye Strain / Computer Vision Syndrome

Today, time is such that wherever you look, there’s a screen. You go to the office and spend hours on your laptop and what’s even more interesting is that in your free time, you still reach for your phone’s screen for a quick reel scroll to get the dopamine hit.

Unfortunately, there’s hardly any moment for your eyes to escape this screen world and notice your surroundings. It may seem harmless, but in the long run it’s not. You might already be experiencing screen fatigue, also known as Digital Eye Strain (DES) / Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).

The best Ophthalmologist in Thane says that over time, this can lead to Digital Eye Strain such as dry eyes, blurred vision and headaches, along with neck and back pain due to poor posture. Blue light emitting from your screen can disrupt sleep and even impact mental health. While you can’t avoid screens completely, the Top Eye Doctor encourages simple habits (like positioning the screen at arm’s length and using the 20-20-20 rule) that can reduce screen fatigue and lower future risks.

What is Digital Eye Strain?

Digital Eye Strain (DES) or Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) refers to problems that you may have if you make use of digital devices (computers, tablets, e-readers and smartphones) for several hours without even taking a break. Eye Doctors say nighttime use of digital devices can impact your sleep.

Common Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain

Symptoms may be so uncomfortable that they affect your quality of work, daily routine. Here are the common symptoms that you might experience if you use computers, tablets, e-readers and smartphones for several hours without taking a break.

1. Eye-related

• Eye irritation
• Blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Watery eyes
• Dryness
• Redness

2. Head & Neck Related

• Headaches
• Stiffness in the neck
• Pain in the shoulder

3. Cognitive

• Trouble focusing
• Mental fatigue
• Brain fog (which describes being mentally sluggish, confused, and forgetful)
• Decreased productivity

If it remains unaddressed long-term, screen fatigue leads to chronic issues:

• Musculoskeletal issues such as chronic neck, shoulder and back pain
• Sleep disorders such as insomnia
• Burnout and stress
• Constant discomfort and mental fatigue lowering quality of life

What are the Causes of Digital Eye Strain? | The Key Points

Some reasons that lead to Digital Eye Strain / Computer Vision Syndrome:

1. Prolonged or Uninterrupted Screen Time

Long-term screen time strains eye muscles by forcing them to remain focused on a nearby screen for hours with no breaks in between. This perpetual near-work overloads your tiny ciliary eye muscles (that adjust the lens for clear vision), leading to fatigue. You can think of this situation like overusing arm muscles during a long workout.

2. Often Less Blinking (Around 60% Less)

You may not notice it, but you might blink less often when looking at screens (screens decrease blink rate from 15-20 times per minute to just 5-7). This decreased blinking dries out eyes, spreading tears unevenly, leading to the eye’s protective tear film breaking down. All of this causes irritation, like a dry sponge rubbing against itself.

3. Glare from Screens & Poor Ambient Light

Glare from the screen and poor lighting make your eyes squint and adjust constantly to balance bright screen light against dim surroundings. This extra effort makes your iris muscles (that control pupil size) work harder, leading to fatigue.

4. Incorrect Screen Setup

Is your screen setup too close (under 20 inches), too high or mismatched in brightness or contrast to your room? If yes, then this incorrect screen setup is what you need to update because your eyes overcompensate by constantly refocusing or dilating, like trying to read fine print in bad lighting. This constant refocusing or dilating can lead to strain, lowering the quality of work.

5. Uncorrected Vision

Uncorrected vision issues like farsightedness, nearsightedness or astigmatism worsen symptoms. Because without glasses or proper treatment, the eye muscles overcompensate daily.

6. Emission of Blue Light

Digital devices emit blue light that penetrates deep into the retina, which may tire light-sensitive cells over time. These lights suppress melatonin at night, contributing to fatigue and sleep disruption.

7. Incorrect or Poor Sitting Posture

Poor posture tilts your head and neck unnaturally, putting pressure on eye muscles and decreasing blood flow to them during long sessions. This creates strain that radiates to the eyes, similar to how hunching strains your back and shoulders together.

8. Environmental Factors

Low humidity or air drafts evaporate your tears faster and dust or fan-blown particles irritate your exposed eye surface. Environmental factors including air pollution and screen-related dryness combine to put extra strain on your eyes.

Solutions to Prevent Screen Fatigue | Digital Eye Strain

Best Ophthalmologists in Thane, like those at Wavikar Eye Institute, suggest the following easy tips:

1. Workstation Setup

• Position your chair and desk in such a manner that your feet are flat and your wrists are straight.
• Your screen should be 20-28 inches away, with the top just below your eye level.
• Decrease glare from windows and overhead lights with the help of curtains and shades.
• Have proper screen settings, like using “dark mode” in low light and adjusting brightness, contrast and use a larger text size.

2. Daily Habits for Eye Care

• Use the 20-20-20 rule: A simple eye care habit: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Consciously blink fully to keep your eyes moist.
• Stay hydrated.
• Step away from your screen for 15 minutes every 2 hours to give yourself and your eyes a real break.

3. Prescribed Treatments

• After discussing with your Eye Doctor, use anti-reflective (AR) coatings and blue-light filters while working on computers, laptops.
• Use your Eye Doctor’s prescribed lubricating eye drops for relief from dryness.

Conclusion

Long-term screen use can disrupt your protective tear film. Screens make you blink less, which means tears don’t spread effectively, drying the eye’s surface. Computer Vision Syndrome definitely lowers the quality of your life; hence, consult your Eye Doctor in a timely manner.

When to Consult the Best Eye Doctor for Digital Eye Strain

You can consult Top Ophthalmologists at Wavikar Eye Institute, Thane, if you are constantly experiencing the following symptoms:

• Eye discomfort, redness or blurriness even after taking breaks and adjusting your screen setup.
• Increased light sensitivity.
• Changes in vision.
• Ongoing eye pain and headaches.
• Neck or shoulder pain linked to screen use.
• Eye strain impacting your daily work or activities.

Looking for the best eye care in Thane?
Wavikar Eye Institute is here for you:

Contact us:
Call: +91 93555 29217
WhatsApp: +91 77100 55123
Email: contact@wavikareye.com