Digital eyestrain is a vision problem that results from prolonged use of digital screens such as computers, tablets, and cell phones. Every time you strain your eyes, you risk having red eyes, headaches, and blurred vision in the long term. Also, you can get dry eyes as a result of not blinking.

 

When using a digital screen, you may be so carried away to the point that you hardly blink. Blinking is very important for it spreads a layer of tears to your eyes, making them comfortable, moist, and healthy. Therefore, if you forget to blink, you can get dry eyes, which can be very uncomfortable.

 

It is hard to know when your eyes are drying. But, if you notice some of the following symptoms, then there is a possibility that you have dry eyes due to digital eyestrain:
 

• Blurred vision
   

• Light sensitivity
   

• Red and watery eyes
   

• Itchy eyes
   

• Difficulty in driving at night
   

• Difficulty in using contact lenses
  
   

Dry eyes may not have a permanent effect on your eyes, but they make you feel uncomfortable. The best solution would be to stop using digital screens, but that is impossible given most of our jobs involve using a computer. So, how can you prevent yourself from getting dry eyes?

 

Here are some tips to prevent dry eyes:

 

Use Artificial Tears

Artificial tears are a type of eye drops used to act as a lubricant for dry eyes. They help maintain moisture in your eyes and thus reduce the discomfort caused by dry eyes. You can get artificial tears without a prescription. However, there is no way of knowing the best one for you unless you try several brands.

 

Generally, there are two artificial tear drops: eye drops with preservatives and eye drops free of preservatives. For severe dry eyes, you should probably use preservative-free eye drops because they have no chemicals and cannot irritate your eyes.

 

Take Breaks from Your Screen

When staring at a screen, it is easy to forget to blink since you are so involved. To help you blink as often as possible, take breaks from your screen of about 20 seconds now and then, and look at something other than the screen.

 

Update Your Eyeglasses Prescription

If you use eyeglasses and realize that you are still straining, you probably need to update the prescription. Contact your optometrist to evaluate your eyes and lenses, and if need be, they can adjust your eyeglasses to improve your vision and reduce straining.

 

Use a Humidifier

To help reduce the symptoms of dry eyes, you can use a humidifier. A humidifier adds moisture to the air. The moisture prevents your tears from evaporating more quickly and thus keeps your eyes comfortable. Be sure to get a humidifier with a large water tank, powerful enough to handle your room size.

 

Typically, dry eyes are caused by prolonged hours of using digital screens. Though you cannot do without the screens, you can protect your eyes using the above tips.

 

Learn more about causes of dry eye & treatment, contact Positive Eye Ons in Los Angeles, California at (323) 651-5646 to book an appointment.