Spending hours on a computer, phone, or tablet every day has become the norm for many of us. But with all that screen time comes a common problem: screen fatigue. Also called digital eye strain, it can cause blurry vision, dry eyes, headaches, and even neck or shoulder tension.
Richens Eye Center sees many patients in St. George, Utah, and Mesquite, Nevada, who want relief from these symptoms. We provide comprehensive eye care backed by advanced diagnostic tools and skilled board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists. Our team is led by Dr. Sharon Richens, MD, FACS — a board-certified ophthalmologist and Fellow of both the American College of Surgeons and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Simple Habits That Can Help Reduce Digital Eye Strain
Here are 10 easy tips to help protect your vision throughout the day:
- Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eyes a break.
- Blink More Often: Screens make us blink less, which dries out our eyes. Try to stay aware and blink regularly.
- Adjust Screen Brightness: Match your screen brightness to the lighting around you to avoid glare and squinting.
- Use a Blue Light Filter: Many devices have one built in, or you can wear blue light–blocking glasses to help reduce strain.
- Clean Your Screen: A smudge-free screen is easier to read and keeps your eyes from working harder than they need to.
- Check Monitor Position: Keep your screen about an arm’s length away and slightly below eye level for better comfort.
- Take Movement Breaks: Stand, stretch, and walk around every hour to reset your posture and give your eyes a break.
- Fix Your Lighting: Avoid glare from windows or overhead lights. Soft, indirect lighting is best for your workspace.
- Increase Text Size: Don’t squint at tiny fonts. You can bump up the size to make reading easier on your eyes.
- Drink Water and Eat for Eye Health: Hydration supports tear production, and nutrients like omega-3s and vitamin A help keep your eyes healthy.
When It’s Time to See a Specialist
Even with these tips, symptoms like blurred vision, dry eyes, or discomfort may persist. That’s when it’s worth talking to our experienced eye care team at Richens Eye Center. We offer personalized care for screen-related eye issues as well as a full range of medical and surgical eye services.
To schedule an appointment, call one of our offices:
St. George Downtown & Mesquite: 435-986-2020
St. George Sunset Location: 435-628-1112
