What causes eye strain?
Digital eye strain (also called computer vision syndrome) is caused by a combination of factors: prolonged screen use, reduced blinking, poor lighting, incorrect screen distance, and uncorrected vision problems. The average office worker spends over 7 hours a day in front of a screen — long enough for all of these to compound into significant discomfort.
How to reduce eye strain from screens
The most evidence-backed interventions are: regular breaks (the 20-20-20 rule), conscious blinking, correct screen distance (50–70cm), matching screen brightness to ambient light, and reducing glare. Of these, blinking is the most overlooked — it drops by up to 70% during focused screen use and is directly responsible for the dryness and irritation most people attribute to tiredness.
Can eye strain cause permanent damage?
Digital eye strain itself does not cause permanent damage — symptoms are temporary and resolve with rest. However, chronic eye strain can worsen underlying conditions like dry eye syndrome, and sustained near-focus work in children has been linked to myopia progression. If symptoms persist despite habit changes, an optician visit is warranted.