Management of digital eye strain

Abstract

Digital eye strain, an emerging public health issue, is a condition characterised by visual disturbance and/or ocular discomfort related to the use of digital devices and resulting from a range of stresses on the ocular environment. This review aims to provide an overview of the extensive literature on digital eye strain research with particular reference to the clinical management of symptoms. As many as 90 per cent of digital device users experience symptoms of digital eye strain. Many studies suggest that the following factors are associated with digital eye strain: uncorrected refractive error (including presbyopia), accommodative and vergence anomalies, altered blinking pattern (reduced rate and incomplete blinking), excessive exposure to intense light, closer working distance, and smaller font size. Since a symptom may be caused by one or more factors, a holistic approach should be adopted. The following management strategies have been suggested: (i) appropriate correction of refractive error, including astigmatism and presbyopia; (ii) management of vergence anomalies, with the aim of inducing or leaving a small amount of heterophoria (~1.5 Exo); (iii) blinking exercise/training to maintain normal blinking pattern; (iv) use of lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) to help alleviate dry eye-related symptoms; (v) contact lenses with enhanced comfort, particularly at end-of-day and in challenging environments; (vi) prescription of colour filters in all vision correction options, especially blue light-absorbing filters; and (vii) management of accommodative anomalies. Prevention is the main strategy for management of digital eye strain, which involves: (i) ensuring an ergonomic work environment and practice (through patient education and the implementation of ergonomic workplace policies); and (ii) visual examination and eye care to treat visual disorders. Special consideration is needed for people at a high risk of digital eye strain, such as computer workers and contact lens wearers.

Association of multimedia teaching with myopia: A national study of school children

“…While our study cannot directly test this possibility, we speculate that a brighter environment – perhaps in conjunction with projector quality variation – may result in lower visual contrast of projected material. Combined with microfluctuations in the image, more regular exposure to such visual information could place the eye under sufficient strain to produce physiological changes resulting in myopia (Coles‐Brennan et al, ). Further research under controlled conditions is necessary to replicate, examine and explain the pathways underlying this relationship.…”

“…Projector image quality is variable. Inadequate contrast or microfluctations in digital image quality require visual accommodation that leads to eye strain (Coles-Brennan, Sulley, & Young, 2018).…”

“…Projector image quality is variable. Inadequate contrast or microfluctations in digital image quality require visual accommodation that leads to eye strain (Coles‐Brennan, Sulley, & Young, ). To facilitate viewing and perhaps compensate for projection quality (Ziefle, ), the classroom environment is often darkened partially or completely to make the image more visually pronounced; however, illumination and glare from the projector in a darkened space and from incident light washing out the projected image could negatively affect the eyes’ ability to accommodate effectively (Agarwal, Goel, & Sharma, ).…”

Changes in accommodative micro-fluctuations after wearing contact lenses of different optical designs

“…Rosenfield coined the term 'Computer Vision Syndrome' to describe the combination of eye and vision problems related to computer use [6]. Symptoms include tired eyes, blurred vision, ocular discomfort, and redness [7]. The assumption is that this condition is more prevalent in people who have a reduced accommodative amplitude, even though near addition lenses are commonly prescribed for loss of accommodation.…”

A cross sectional overview of digital eye strain: a growing health concern in this digital age in central India (Madhya Pradesh)

“…2 The term 'computer vision syndrome (CVS)' has been widely used in literature; however, since many other digital devices are now in common use, 'digital eye strain' is a more appropriate term. 3 The most common symptoms associated with DES are eyestrain, headache, blurred vision, dry eyes and pain in the neck and shoulders. 4 The ocular symptoms can be split in two categories-those associated with accommodation (namely, headache, blurred vision and difficulty refocusing) and those closely related to dry eye (irritated/burning eyes, dry eyes, tired eyes, sensitivity to bright lights and eye discomfort).…”