Have you noticed yourself often rubbing your eyes while using your laptop? Felt uneasy while changing your view from the screen to some other screen? Do your eyes become blurry or become dry frequently? Ever get headaches after prolonged use of your phone or laptop? If you said yes to any question, you might be suffering from Screen Fatigue, medically known as Asthenopia or Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).

Screen Fatigue: What is it?

Screen fatigue or eye fatigue/strain is a condition where the eyes become tired because of intense use. Commonly, it occurs when continuously staring at the computer screen for a long period. While it isn’t a permanent condition as our eyes adjust when it gets to rest, the problem can invite long term problems like far-sightedness and short-sightedness. Even more, it gets irritating when your eyes cannot function as properly while working with computer screens. Consequently, screen fatigue can degrade the quality of your work and surround you with other problems like headaches.

Symptoms

Screen Fatigue may include one or more of the symptoms occurring together:

• Tired eyes

• Dry eyes

• Blurred vision

• Sensitivity to bright light

• Headache

• Burning eyes

• Difficulty in refocusing/ adjusting eyesight

• Discomfort in eyes

Causes

Screen fatigue can be caused by various reasons such as:

• Prolonged use of digital devices

• Reading in poor light

• Not blinking enough (less than 18 times per minute)

• Lack of sleep

• Refractive errors (for those using prescriptive glasses)

Screen Fatigue during COVID

As most office workers have been home-bound due to the ever-present threat of corona, an average employee’s screen time has increased significantly. A Malaysian study concluded that Malaysian university students who used laptops for more than 2 hours continuously faced at least one for more symptoms of screen fatigue. It tumbled them to eye strain and frequent headaches as well. Apart from students, even children who spend a lot of time using phones or tablets have to resort to wearing spectacles from a very young age.

How can you diagnose it?

Most of the people who suffer from CVS tend to have headaches and eye strain simultaneously. There is a distinct absence of any previous eye illness. They describe a certain tightness around the temples. People also complain they have dry eyes so see doubles sometimes. If any of the symptoms of Screen fatigue occurs, it is best to apply some home remedies and readjust lifestyle before heading for a professional doctor.

How to Treat Screen Fatigue

Home remedies/ Lifestyle hacks:

1. The 20-20-20 Rule

You might not be able to change your job but you can adapt better to it. If you use your computer for more than an hour at once, break the habit. Use the 20-20-20 rule. In 20 minutes of using your device, look away to 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It gives your eyes some proper rest. If you can’t make a habit, use an alarm or timer to remind you every 20 minutes.

2. Blink more often

Research has shown that the light in our devices make our eyes strain. That is why we don’t blink as often when we are reading in good light or on paper. Paste a “blink” reminder nearby to, well, blink! You can finesse the 20-20-20 rule by blinking while using it. It will remind you to blink often as well.

3. Adjust Brightness of your device

Screen brightness: The best brightness for your device is not too bright or low. It all depends upon the ambiance. The light of your device should be equivalent to the light of your surroundings. That was it can blend well and help your eyes adjust quickly without causing strain.

Dark mode: Apps are equipped with a dark mode that can significantly help you read better. The dark theme can be used in not so well-lit rooms.

Text size/contrast: Increasing the text size and contrast can help you read flawlessly. You can even customize it according to the surrounding you are in.

4. Adjust your monitor and your chair

Your computer should be at an arm’s length. Consider choosing a monitor that can swivel. Your monitor should be a little below your eye level. You can also adjust your chair if your monitor cannot twist. Placing a document holder next to your screen can help as well.

5. Get some sleep. Period.

If you’re using your phone when you are supposed to sleep, you are part of the problem. Researches have time and again proven that the blue light messes with our sleep patterns pushing our sleepiness away. This invites sleeplessness and a lot of red eyes. Have a healthy and fixed sleeping schedule so that you can wake up with well-rested eyes.

6. Air out your room

Using an air humidifier and air cleaner can significantly improve your sight. Regularly clean the screen of your computer.

7. Have an eye-care routine

Pat your eyes gently with a gentle cloth soaked in warm water for 10 seconds each. It works wonders to quickly treat tired eyes.

When to visit a doctor?

When none of the home remedies work, it’s time to visit a doctor. Don’t be scared! It usually means you need a prescribed teardrop or glasses to help you adjust. Over the counter eye drops are best for those who do not want to wear glasses yet. For those against bulky glasses, amber contact lenses are usually prescribed. Contact your doctor for a full eye exam if you have the problem for a long time.

Frequently Asked Queries on Screen Fatigue

Do Blue Ray glasses work?

Yes and no. Try buying a cheap one instead of an expensive one to test if it helps you.

Can Screen Fatigue make you go blind?

No. Screen fatigue may cause eye tiredness but it won’t make you go blind.

What is a good screen time?

Recommended screen time is 2 hours for adults but since you cannot adhere to it, try using the 20-20-20 rule.