Digital Eye Strain (DES), or Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), is a condition that occurs due to prolonged digital device use. The use of digital devices is prevalent, with billions of people using them for work and leisure.
 

Excess screen time causes symptoms such as eye strain, headaches, blurry vision, and dry or tired eyes. The symptoms are usually temporary but can increase the risk of developing eye conditions. However, the right lenses can help with digital eye strain.
 

Do You Have Digital Eye Strain

Digital eye strain occurs because of prolonged digital device use. Looking at screens for extended periods without breaks can lead to ocular discomfort, headaches, and other issues. Failing to resolve these issues can lead to long-term vision complications.
 

The symptoms of DES can be like those of other eye conditions. It is advisable to seek professional attention to determine the real cause of any symptoms.
 

Common Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain

Prolonged digital device use can lead to symptoms of DES, including:
 

• Tired or painful eyes.

• Blurry vision.

• Headaches.

• Dry eyes.

• ncreased light sensitivity.

• Neck and shoulder pain due to poor posture.
   

Uncorrected vision problems can exacerbate the symptoms of DES. If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, you can develop DES from too much screen time.
 

What Causes Digital Eye Strain

Besides staring at a computer screen or other digital devices for long periods of time, poor placement of the device itself can cause eye fatigue. DES can also be caused by reflections and glare from the screens.
 

The effort of focusing when using digital devices can cause muscle spasms, straining the eyes. Blue light from the screens can also tax the eye muscles, leading to squinting. Poor posture during computer use can lead to neck and shoulder pain, as well as contributing to the symptoms of DES.
 

How Lenses Help with Digital Eye Strain

There are special eyeglasses that can help reduce eye strain when using computers. These eyeglasses usually have anti-glare filters, which reduce constant eye refocusing when working. If you have a refractive eye condition, prescription DES glasses can help correct the problem by reducing eye strain.
 

Tinted eyeglasses can also help reduce glare from bright office lights. Most manufacturers do not design these eyeglasses specifically to optometric standards but rather for occupational use with screens and devices. They usually have about 60% of the magnifying power of regular reading glasses. An eye doctor can recommend customized computer eyeglasses that comply with prescription standards.
 

Types of Computer Eyeglasses

Different types of lenses can help with DES. They include single-vision glasses, occupational progressive lenses, and occupational bifocals and trifocals. The best computer glasses should have an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare and photochromatic lenses to shield the eyes from blue light. A tint can help reduce wavelengths that exacerbate eye fatigue. Talk to your eye doctor about the best lenses for your unique eye needs.
 

You should avoid purchasing computer glasses without a prescription. Cheap off-the-rack or drugstore glasses may even increase eye strain. You should get lenses designed to suit your unique visual needs. Working with an eye professional will ensure you get the best treatment for your condition. The doctor will recommend the best brands to enhance your quality of life.
 

For more on how the right lenses can help with digital eye strain, visit Specs Appeal. Our offices are in St. George and Little Valley, Utah, and Mesquite, Nevada. Call (435) 216-7059, (435) 628-1112, (435) 900-3937, or (702) 346-2950 to book an appointment today.