Digital Eye Strain in The Villages, FL

What is digital eye strain?

Digital eye strain is discomfort from long periods of screen use. Spending long hours on a computer or other digital screen can make you blink less, causing dryness and tired eyes.

Dry eye can also happen when you spend a lot of time looking at a computer, tablet or smartphone.

Symptoms

You may have tired or sore eyes. Dry, stinging or burning eyes are common, and so are blurry vision and red eyes.

Who is at risk?

Anyone who spends long hours on screens can have it. That includes many retirees who read, play games or video call with family. People who wear contact lenses or are age 50 or older are also more likely to have dry eyes.

An uncorrected prescription or presbyopia can add to eye discomfort at close range, so a current prescription matters.

What a screen strain visit looks like

When you come in for Digital Eye Strain in The Villages, first tell us about your screens. For example, say which device you use most and for how long. Then Dr. Russell checks whether a prescription, a focusing problem or dry eye is behind your symptoms. He also checks how your eyes work together at screen distance.

Bring the device you use most, if you can. Also bring your current glasses, so we can compare them with what you need.

Questions to ask your eye doctor

For example, ask whether a new prescription would help at screen distance. You can also ask whether you need computer glasses, or whether progressive lenses would work. In addition, ask whether dry eye plays a part and which artificial tears to try. Then ask how often to return.

What helps

Try the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look away for 20 seconds. Pick something about 20 feet in front of you.

• Use good lighting to reduce strain
• Use artificial tears if your eyes feel dry
• Ask about glasses made for screen distance

Eye pain with redness or a sudden vision change is not strain. Sudden flashes of light, a shower of new floaters, a curtain over your vision, sudden vision loss or a chemical in the eye: call (352) 399-5412 right away, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Everyday habits

Because breaks help, tie the 20-20-20 rule to something you already do. A habit you repeat each day is easier to keep. For example, look out the window each time a video call ends. Also set a timer while you read on a tablet. Then you will not lose track of time. However, if breaks and artificial tears do not help, come in for an exam. Then we can look for another cause.

Help With Digital Eye Strain in The Villages

Our care for Digital Eye Strain in The Villages starts with your prescription. Dr. Russell checks it and how your eyes work together at screen distance. Our opticians can make computer glasses, or progressive lenses suited to your screen setup. Many pairs are ready in about an hour. If we find something other than strain, we refer you to a trusted specialist. We co-manage your care with that specialist.

Call (352) 399-5412 or request an appointment at 2478 Burnsed Blvd, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Please talk with your eye doctor about your own eyes.

Common questions

Does screen time damage my eyes?

Long screen time can make you blink less, which causes dryness and tired eyes. An exam can confirm that nothing else is going on.

Do I need special computer glasses?

Some people do. Your exam and the way you use screens guide that choice.

What is the 20-20-20 rule?

Every 20 minutes, look away for 20 seconds. Pick something about 20 feet in front of you, to give your eyes a rest.