Screen Time, Digital Devices & Eye Strain: Tips for St. Louis Workers & Students

If you’re like most people in St. Louis, you spend hours each day on digital devices. Between work, school, and entertainment, screen time is a major part of daily life—but it comes with a cost. Prolonged use of computers, phones, and tablets often leads to eye strain, fatigue, and discomfort. At Eye Roc Eyewear, we help patients understand the effects of digital devices on their eyes and provide solutions that protect long-term vision.

The Impact of Long Hours on Screens

Digital Eye Strain (Computer Vision Syndrome)
Spending too much time on screens can trigger a cluster of symptoms known as digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome. These include:

• Eye strain and blurred vision
• Headaches
• Dry eyes
• Neck and shoulder pain

One reason is reduced blinking—studies show we blink about 50% less when looking at screens, which quickly leads to dryness and irritation. More than half of all regular digital device users experience these symptoms.

Blue Light Exposure

Digital devices emit blue light, which scatters easily and creates glare that makes it harder for the eyes to focus. While normal exposure levels won’t cause permanent damage, blue light may increase eye fatigue and disrupt sleep by interfering with melatonin production.

Accommodation Stress

When focusing up close for long periods, the eye’s focusing muscles never get a break. This can lead to temporary blurred vision and fatigue. For younger patients, extended near work is also linked to the progression of myopia (nearsightedness).

Tips to Prevent Eye Strain and Fatigue

There’s good news: small changes in daily habits can significantly improve comfort and reduce strain. Our team at Eye Roc recommends:

1. The 20-20-20 Rule

   Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eyes a rest.

2. Blink Often and Stay Hydrated

   Make a conscious effort to blink more frequently. Artificial tears or lubricating drops can help prevent dryness.

3. Adjust Screen Settings

   • Reduce brightness to match your surroundings
   • Increase text size and contrast for easier reading
   • Use “night mode” or blue-light filters to reduce glare

4. Optimize Workspace Ergonomics

   • Keep screens 20–28 inches from your eyes and slightly below eye level
   • Sit upright to reduce neck and shoulder strain
   • Ensure proper lighting to limit glare

5. Use Specialized Lenses

   Computer glasses or blue-light-filtering lenses can help minimize glare and eye fatigue. If you wear prescription glasses or contacts, make sure your prescription is current so your eyes aren’t working harder than they should.

Why This Matters for Students and Professionals

Students: With digital learning, online research, and even gaming, children and teens often spend more time on screens than adults. Addressing these habits early may help prevent worsening vision and support healthy eye development.

Professionals: Remote work, office hours, and reliance on digital tools can add up to 8–10 hours of screen time daily. Eye strain not only impacts comfort but also productivity. Preventing chronic fatigue helps you stay focused and efficient at work.

When to See an Optometrist

If screen-related eye strain doesn’t improve with at-home strategies, it may be time for a professional eye exam. Schedule an appointment if you notice:

• Frequent headaches or blurred vision after screen use
• Dryness or irritation that doesn’t improve with eye drops
• Increasing difficulty focusing during or after work
• Eye strain in children that affects schoolwork or concentration

Our eye care team at Eye Roc Eyewear will evaluate your symptoms, check your prescription, and recommend treatments or specialized lenses to restore comfort.

Schedule Your Digital Eye Exam in St. Louis

Don’t let screen time take a toll on your eyes. At Eye Roc Eyewear, we’ll identify the cause of your discomfort and create a personalized plan—whether that’s updating your prescription, recommending computer lenses, or suggesting daily adjustments. Book your eye exam today and experience clearer, more comfortable vision.