Understanding Digital Eye Strain: Why Screens Hurt Your Eyes — and How to Get Relief
In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere — computers, tablets, phones, smart TVs, gaming systems. For most adults and kids in South Jordan, Herriman, Riverton, West Jordan, Draper, and Sandy, digital devices are part of daily life for school, work, and entertainment.
But with that convenience comes a growing problem:
Digital Eye Strain, also known as Computer Vision Syndrome.
If your eyes feel tired, dry, blurry, or strained after long screen sessions, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to just “live with it.”
At Progressive Eye Care, our doctors see and treat this every day. Here’s what digital eye strain really is, why it happens, and what you can do right now to protect your eyes.
What Is Digital Eye Strain?
Digital eye strain is a group of symptoms caused by prolonged screen use. When we stare at screens for long periods, two key things happen:
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We blink far less often
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Our eyes stay in a constant “near-focus” position
This combination leads to dryness, fatigue, and stress on the focusing system.
Common symptoms include:
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Burning or stinging eyes
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Dryness or excessive tearing
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Blurry or fluctuating vision
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Headaches (especially at the end of the day)
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Neck or shoulder pain
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Difficulty concentrating after extended screen time
If these sound familiar, you may be experiencing digital eye strain.
Why Screens Are So Hard on the Eyes
1. Reduced Blinking
When we use screens, our blink rate drops by nearly 60%. Less blinking = fewer tears spread across the eye = dryness and irritation.
2. Constant Near Work
Your eyes focus like a camera. When they stay locked in one position (usually 18–24 inches from your face), the focusing muscles fatigue.
3. Blue Light Exposure
Blue light doesn’t “damage” the eye, but it increases glare and visual stress, contributing to fatigue and headaches.
4. Poor Ergonomics
Laptops on kitchen counters, gaming sessions in dim rooms, and holding phones too close all add strain.
Simple Ways to Reduce Digital Eye Strain at Home
Here are strategies you can use today — many recommended by our doctors at Progressive Eye Care.
✓ Follow the 20–20–20 Rule
Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
This relaxes the focusing system and prevents fatigue.
✓ Blink Intentionally
Every time you click a new tab or finish a paragraph, blink fully.
✓ Upgrade Your Workspace
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Keep the top of your screen at or slightly below eye level
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Adjust lighting to reduce glare
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Sit 20–28 inches from your monitor
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Use a desk chair with proper support
✓ Use Proper Lighting
Avoid working in dark rooms with a bright screen. Balance the surrounding light.
✓ Consider Blue Light Protection
Lenses with blue-light-filtering properties may reduce visual stress and improve comfort for heavy screen users.
Advanced Solutions: When Simple Fixes Aren’t Enough
If you’re still experiencing symptoms even after improving your habits, you may need more targeted care.
At Progressive Eye Care, we offer specialized testing to assess:
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Focusing ability
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Eye alignment
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Tear quality
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Blink patterns
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Binocular vision (how your eyes work together)
Neurolens® for Eye Misalignment
One breakthrough option is Neurolens, designed for patients whose headaches, neck pain, or eye strain come from subtle eye misalignment. These lenses use contoured prism technology to reduce visual stress caused by screens and near work.
Dry Eye Treatment
Screen time often worsens underlying dry eye disease. Our Tear Restoration Therapy can help restore the tear film and reduce inflammation for lasting comfort.
If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening, it’s time for a more complete evaluation.
When to See an Eye Doctor About Digital Eye Strain
You should schedule an exam if you notice:
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Daily headaches
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Blurry vision that comes and goes
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Burning or stinging eyes
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Worsening dryness
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Pain around your eyes or temples
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Difficulty concentrating during or after screen use
These may indicate dry eye disease, focusing problems, or binocular vision dysfunction — all treatable, but only with a proper diagnosis.
Digital Eye Strain Relief in South Jordan | Call or Schedule Online
Digital screens aren’t going away — but the discomfort can.
At Progressive Eye Care in South Jordan, our experienced optometrists — Dr. Jeff Broadhead, Dr. Michael Hope, Dr. Michael Chism, and Dr. Ana Schroeder — specialize in helping patients find long-term relief from digital eye strain.
We proudly serve families across South Jordan, Herriman, Riverton, West Jordan, Draper, and Sandy.
📞 Call us at (385) 503-7680
💻 Schedule your appointment online 24/7
Your eyes work hard every day.
Let us help them feel better.
