Vision experts caution that digital eye strain is becoming increasingly common due to the eyes' muscles being overworked.

You may be experiencing headaches, burning eyes, blurry vision, and fatigue while using your devices.

The excessive use of your cellphone, tablet, laptop, and television, collectively known as screens, is the root cause of your problem.

A study in Cureus, The Journal of Medical Science, suggests that individuals who frequently gaze at screens and gadgets may develop eye strain and other issues.

Digital eye strain is a significant medical issue today, and vision experts have offered advice on how to minimize the risks.

Here's a deeper dive.

What exactly is digital eye strain?

Blue light emitted by digital devices like computers and smartphones causes our eyes to work harder to focus and process the light on the screen, according to Danny Mathew, O.D., a VSP Vision network doctor with EYEWORKS in Fort Worth, Texas.

The largest and only not-for-profit vision benefits company in the country is VSP Vision.

Mathew stated that digital eye strain leads to visual strain and fatigue.

He stated that the blurred light was perceived as glare. Additionally, he said, "the more blue light in the environment, the greater the glare."

Research shows that exposure to blue light for just two hours can lead to the onset of digital eye strain, and more than half of Americans experience symptoms of this condition.

"These symptoms are a result of the muscles in our eyes overworking to focus on the screen in front of us."

Mathew stated that digital eye strain can manifest as blurred vision, tired eyes, sore eyes, headaches, and dry eyes.

He explained that the symptoms were caused by the muscles in our eyes working too hard to focus on the screen and the effects of the light emitted from our devices.

Dry and irritated eyes can result from not blinking enough when using digital devices, according to Mathew, who shared this with Planet Chronicle Digital.

What can people do to reduce the risks of digital eye strain?

There are a few steps to take.

Minimizing digital eye strain can be achieved by adjusting your screen distance, as recommended by Jen Wademan, O.D., a VSP network doctor at Bidwell Optometry in Folsom, California.

"By either moving your computer screen to arm's length or pulling your smartphone farther away, you can accomplish this task."

Adjusting your device's brightness can help reduce glare and eye strain, she pointed out.

To combat dry eyes caused by computer and device use, Wademan advised applying artificial tears, but cautioned to choose products carefully.

Wademan advised against using preservative-free tears and generic artificial tears, as there were several mass recalls of these products earlier this year.

She also said that your eye doctor can suggest trustworthy brand options for you.

Wademan explained that the symptoms of eye strain, eye fatigue, and headaches are caused by the muscles in our eyes working too hard to maintain clear and focused vision when viewing things up close.

"Get up, walk around, stretch or look out the window to give your eyes a rest."

"To combat this, make sure to take regular breaks and focus on objects other than screens and close-up devices."

What products may help reduce the risk?

EYEWORKS' Mathew mentioned that TechShield Blue AB is an example of lens products that reduce blue-light exposure.

"The lens coating he described is anti-reflective and minimizes exposure to blue light, while also reducing digital eye strain. Unlike other blue light-reducing lens products, it has a near-clear appearance and does not emit a strong purple or orange/yellow hue."

Some blue-light glasses products may claim to block blue light, but they may negatively affect a customer's visual experience.

Mathew stated that a product may obstruct more light in the UV/blue range, making it challenging to see in specific lighting conditions.

What day-to-day changes can reduce digital eye strain?

Taking frequent breaks is recommended when spending a long time looking at a digital device, according to Wademan with Bidwell Optometry.

She suggested taking a break from sitting by standing up, moving around, stretching, or gazing outside to rest your eyes.

She advised turning off your gadgets before going to sleep.

"Consider reducing the glare from your devices by lowering the brightness of your screen or enabling blue-light settings such as night mode."

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends following the 20-20-20 rule to remember to blink and defocus the eyes, according to Daniel A. Greninger, M.D., a spokesperson for the organization and an ophthalmologist at Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center in Antioch, California.

For every 20 minutes, gaze at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

If you continue experiencing discomfort in your eyes, don't assume it's nothing.

"Instead of doing it yourself, consult an eye care professional for an eye exam," Greninger advised.