Do your eyes ever feel tired, dry, or achy after a long day of staring at screens? Maybe your child complains of headaches after online school, or you’ve noticed yourself squinting more at your computer. Digital eye strain is becoming more common as we increasingly rely on screens for work, school, and entertainment, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it! 

At The Eye Doctors P.C. in Sioux Falls, SD, we help families find relief from digital eye strain with solutions like computer glasses, anti-fatigue lenses, and simple lifestyle changes. Let’s explore how you can protect your family’s vision while staying connected. 

What is digital eye strain? 

Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, occurs when prolonged screen use leads to eye discomfort and fatigue. Symptoms may include: 

• Dry, irritated eyes 
• Blurry vision 
• Headaches 
• Neck and shoulder pain 
• Trouble focusing 

Both adults and children can experience these issues, especially with increased screen time for remote work, virtual learning, or gaming.  

How to reduce digital eye strain 

Managing digital eye strain doesn’t mean cutting out screen time completely. Instead, small adjustments can improve comfort and reduce symptoms: 

1. Follow the 20-20-20 rule 

Give your eyes a break by following the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This habit helps relax your eye muscles and reduce strain. 

2. Adjust screen settings 

Too much brightness can cause glare, while too little can make your eyes work harder to focus. Adjusting screen brightness and contrast to comfortable levels can reduce eye strain. Also, consider using dark mode or blue light filters in the evening. 

3. Remember to blink 

When we stare at screens, we blink less often, which can lead to dry eyes. Encourage your family to blink more frequently or use artificial tears as necessary to keep eyes moist and comfortable. 

4. Maintain proper screen distance 

Position screens at least an arm’s length away and slightly below eye level to reduce strain on both your eyes and neck. 

5. Create a screen-free wind-down routine 

Blue light from screens can interfere with sleep. Try limiting screen use at least an hour before bedtime and encourage reading or other relaxing activities instead. It’s also important to take breaks from screens throughout the day. Outdoor play, reading, or other non-digital activities can give the eyes a much-needed rest. 

6. Update your eyewear 

Specialized eyewear, such as computer glasses or anti-fatigue lenses, can help prevent eye strain and fatigue by filtering blue light and reducing glare. The Eye Doctors P.C. offers customized lens options to make screen time more comfortable for you and your family. 

7. Don’t forget to schedule eye exams 

Even if you’re following these tips, routine eye exams are essential for detecting vision problems early. If you or a family member experience frequent headaches, blurry vision, or ongoing eye fatigue, it may be time to schedule an eye exam in Sioux Falls, SD at The Eye Doctors P.C. Our experienced team can assess your vision and recommend personalized solutions to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable. 

Protect your family’s vision 

Managing digital eye strain is all about balance. By making a few simple adjustments, you can help protect your family’s vision and keep screen time comfortable. If digital eye strain is becoming a daily struggle, schedule an appointment at The Eye Doctors P.C. to explore more solutions for digital eye strain treatment in Sioux Falls.