What causes digital eye strain?

Published: September 24, 2024
Last reviewed by: Leightons Clinical Team
Last reviewed: January 16, 2026

You know the feeling. You’ve been working on your computer into the small hours and it’s left your eyes feeling dry, tired and a little blurry. Well, it’s got a name: DES, or digital eye strain. So how can we avoid it?

However hard we try, we simply can’t escape screens. From squinting at spreadsheets at work to being engrossed by our favourite TV drama in the evening, we’re never far from a screen – and that means we’re at risk of digital eye strain (DES). The symptoms of DES include:

  • Dry or watery eyes
  • Tired eyes
  • Redness in the eyes
  • Double vision
  • Vertigo or dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Headaches

Dry eyes from computer use

So what causes DES? Looking at a screen for prolonged periods causes us to blink less, meaning our eyes dry out faster.

But, more importantly, using a screen also means our eyes do not change focus for long periods of time. Maintaining a fixed focus at a close distance for a long period of time can tire the ciliary muscles in your eyes, leading to fatigue and ultimately DES.


Eye strain relief

To beat the pain of eye strain, remember the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of screen viewing time you should take a 20-second break and look at something around 20-feet away. Your eyeballs will thank you for it.

As well as frequent screen breaks and remembering to blink regularly, it’s important to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to keep your eyes and body topped up. Finally, be sure to squeeze in a healthy 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

You might also benefit from ‘computer glasses’. These spectacles are designed to help keep the focus of the eyes comfortable, specifically when using computer screens, and may incorporate a special anti-reflective coating to reduce glare from the computer screen.

Dry Eye Assessment

Your optometrist can recommend suitable lubricating eye drops which may help reduce the symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome (DES), especially if the eyes are getting dry or red. Perfect for when you’re burning the midnight oil in front of the computer.

Telly addicts

Of course, it’s not only tablets and mobile phones that are to blame. We can also get symptoms of DES while watching TV. To minimise this make sure you are a comfortable distance from the TV. You don't want to be squinting or straining to see clearly.

eye test assessment leightons

Book your eye test and Dry Eye Assessment

If your eyes feel dry or tired, or if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, you might need an eye test. Call Leightons on 0800 40 20 20, head online to book an appointment. We are open by appointment only, with the safety of our patients and practice teams as our top priority.

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  • An annual Ultimate Eye Examination, including Dry Eye Assessment
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