Q: I spend a lot of time on my computer, both at work and at home. I’m noticing that my eyes are really starting bother me by the middle of the day. They are irritated and red. What is going on with my eyes?
A: It’s likely you are experiencing digital eye strain. It’s a common consequence of overexposure to screens on computers, tablets, televisions and smartphones. Symptoms range from eye dryness, eye watering, eye redness and eyelid twitching to physical fatigue and decreased focus.
First, make an appointment with your eye doctor for a checkup to make sure your symptoms are not due to another issue and to make sure any lenses you wear are the correct prescription. Make sure your workspace is eye-friendly by adjusting your computer monitor about an arm’s length away and tilted back slightly. With phones, hold them about 16 inches away from your eyes and adjust the font size if necessary.
Experts suggest following the 20-20-20 rule: For every 20 minutes that you work at a screen, look up and focus on an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
– Dr. Char DeCroos, Southeastern Retina Associates; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society