2025 21 March

The common symptoms of Digital Eye Strain (DES), also known as Computer Vision Syndrome, are described as eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and neck and shoulder pain.

Viewing a computer or digital screen places a workload on the eyes and is different from reading a printed page. Often the letters on the computer or handheld device are not as precise or sharply defined, the level of contrast of the letters to the background is reduced, and the presence of glare and reflections on the screen may make viewing difficult. Not to mention viewing distances and angles used for this type of work are also often different from those commonly used for other reading or writing tasks; the eyes are less suited to meet these focusing and postural requirements.

In addition, the presence of even minor vision problems can often significantly affect visual comfort and performance at a computer. Otherwise latent vision problems may manifest based on the visual demand that screen viewing places on the eyes. Much in the same way a small stone in a shoe can cause great discomfort if left unattended for prolonged periods. Uncorrected or under corrected vision problems can be major contributing factors to computer-related eye strain.

Even people who have glasses or a contact lens prescription for general viewing may find it is not suitable for the specific viewing distances of their computer screen. Some people tilt their heads at odd angles because their glasses aren’t designed for looking at a computer. Or they lean towards the screen in order to see it clearly. Their posture can result in muscle spasms or pain in the neck, shoulder or back. 

Because concentration is associated with a 50-70% reduction in blink rate, dry eyes are commonly experienced by those who spend prolonged time working on digital devices. This is often exacerbated by the environment where the work is performed, which tends to be air conditioned or heated. This can destabilise the protective effects of the tear film, giving rise to an inflamed ocular surface.

Generally speaking, symptoms of DES occur because the visual demands of the task exceed the visual abilities of the individual to comfortably perform them. At greatest risk for developing digital eye strain are those who spend two or more continuous hours at a computer, with under or uncorrected vision problems, working in environments with unfavourable conditions for normal tear physiology.

Digital Eye Strain can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Testing, with special emphasis on visual requirements at the computer or digital device working distance, may include:

Patient history to determine any symptoms the patient is experiencing and the presence of any general health problems, medications taken, or environmental factors that may be contributing to the symptoms related to computer use.

Visual acuity measurements to assess the extent to which vision may be affected.

A refraction to determine the appropriate lens power needed to compensate for any refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism or presbyopia).

Binocular vision assessments to measure eye focusing, movement and coordination. In order to obtain a clear, single image of what is being viewed, the eyes must effectively change focus, move and work in unison. This testing will look for problems that keep your eyes from focusing effectively or make it difficult to use both eyes together.

This testing may be done with or without the use of eye drops to determine how the eyes respond under normal seeing conditions or while their focusing capacity has been temporarily paralysed. This keeps the eyes from inadvertently changing focus while testing is done.

Using the information obtained from these tests, your optometrist can determine if you have Computer Vision Syndrome or Digital Eye Strain and advise you on treatment options.

At Insightful Eye Care, we are passionate about your vision and the health of your families’ eyes.  Call our Swan St (Richmond) or Dingley practices to make an appointment, book online, or come down for a chat about how we can assess you and your family for digital eye strain.