Is Too Much Screen Time Affecting Your Eyes?As we spend more time working, studying, and relaxing in front of screens, many Australians are experiencing symptoms of digital eye strain. Whether you're working from home, scrolling on your phone, or helping the kids with online learning, prolonged screen use can leave your eyes feeling tired and uncomfortable. Common symptoms include dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, sore eyes, neck and shoulder pain, and difficulty refocusing when looking away from a screen. These symptoms don't usually cause permanent damage to your eyesight, but they can significantly affect your comfort and productivity. One of the main causes is that we naturally blink less when concentrating on digital devices. Blinking helps spread tears evenly across the surface of the eye, keeping them lubricated. When we blink less frequently, our eyes can become dry and irritated. A simple way to reduce eye strain is to follow the 20-20-20 Rule: every 20 minutes, look at something approximately 20 feet (6 metres) away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your focusing muscles a chance to relax and encourages you to blink more often. Good lighting is also important. Position your screen to reduce glare, adjust brightness to match your surroundings, and maintain an arm's length viewing distance. If you wear glasses, ask your optometrist whether lenses designed for computer use could improve your comfort. If symptoms persist despite making these changes, it's worth booking a comprehensive eye examination. Sometimes digital eye strain can be made worse by an uncorrected vision problem that is easily addressed with the right prescription. Looking after your eyes today can help keep them comfortable and healthy for years to come. Sources
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