In our always-connected world, most of us spend hours each day staring at screens. Whether it’s working on a computer, scrolling through your smartphone, or streaming on a tablet or TV, this near-constant digital exposure takes a toll on your eyes. The result? A condition known as digital eye strain is a growing concern for people of all ages in Las Vegas and beyond.
At Precise Sight in Las Vegas, we help you protect your vision from the impact of daily screen use. Our expert ophthalmologists provide advanced care for digital eye strain, while also screening for long-term conditions such as macular degeneration. Whether you’re feeling the effects of tired, dry eyes or want to improve your screen habits, we’re here to help you see clearly and comfortably, on and off the screen.
Digital eye strain, also called computer vision syndrome, describes a group of eye and vision problems that result from prolonged screen use. These symptoms can develop after just two hours of continuous exposure, making it a common issue for working professionals, students, and even young children in Las Vegas.
Common symptoms include:
Blurry or fluctuating vision
Dry, irritated, or burning eyes
Headaches or a feeling of pressure behind the eyes
Difficulty focusing, especially between near and far distances
Sensitivity to light or glare
Neck and shoulder tension
Fatigue or disrupted sleep patterns
These symptoms often become worse at the end of the day, after extended screen use, or in environments with poor lighting and air quality—like the dry desert climate we experience here in Las Vegas.
While digital eye strain doesn’t cause permanent vision loss on its own, it can aggravate existing eye conditions and speed up discomfort in patients with early signs of macular degeneration. Here’s why:
01
On average, we blink about 15 times per minute. But when staring at a screen, this rate can drop by half or even more. Less blinking means less moisture—and more dry, itchy eyes.
02
Digital screens emit blue light, a high-energy visible light that scatters more easily and causes more strain. Blue light has also been linked to hormone disruption, headaches, and sleep disturbances.
03
Screens demand continuous focus, especially during tasks that require attention to fine details. This constant "near work" tires the eye muscles, leading to fatigue and strain.
04
Reflections from glass screens, overhead lights, and environmental contrast force the eyes to adjust constantly. Over time, this contributes to visual discomfort and poor posture.
While digital eye strain doesn’t usually cause permanent damage, chronic strain can aggravate existing conditions—especially in patients who may be at risk for macular degeneration. Prolonged blue light exposure is currently being studied as a possible contributor to retinal stress, and many experts recommend taking precautions now to preserve long-term vision.
At Precise Sight, our team in Las Vegas takes a proactive approach. We assess each patient’s lifestyle, habits, and eye health to catch signs of eye strain and retinal damage early, so we can prevent future problems before they start.
Preventing digital eye strain starts with practical habits. Follow these eye ergonomics tips from the experts at Precise Sight in Las Vegas:
Sit about 25 inches (arm’s length) from your screen.
Position the screen slightly below eye level to reduce tension.
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. It’s a simple but effective way to reset your eye muscles and avoid fatigue.
Enable the “Night Shift” or “Blue Light Filter” mode on your device.
Wear blue light blocking glasses—available in both prescription and non-prescription options at Precise Sight.
Adjust room lighting to match the brightness of your screen.
Use matte screen filters if necessary.
Avoid overhead fluorescent lighting or sit at an angle to reduce glare.
Over-the-counter lubricating drops can help refresh your eyes when they feel dry. For chronic dryness, especially in contact lens users, speak with an ophthalmologist for tailored solutions.
If you wear contacts and spend significant time on digital devices, you’re even more susceptible to digital eye strain. The lenses can exacerbate dryness and irritation. Tips for relief:
Switch to glasses when possible to give your eyes a break
Never sleep in your contact lenses, even if they’re labeled for overnight wear
Follow proper hygiene and cleaning instructions
Consider switching to daily disposable lenses or talking to our team about lens options designed for digital comfort
Persistent symptoms of digital eye strain, such as dry eyes, blurry vision, frequent headaches, or light sensitivity, should not be ignored. They may indicate a need for prescription adjustments or an underlying condition like early macular degeneration.
At Precise Sight in Las Vegas, we offer comprehensive eye exams to pinpoint the root of your discomfort. Using advanced diagnostic tools, we evaluate your full ocular health, screen for age-related conditions, and recommend personalized strategies to preserve your vision for the long term.
We’re more than a routine eye clinic. At Precise Sight, we understand the connection between lifestyle, technology, and eye health. Whether you’re struggling with digital eye strain, concerned about macular changes, or simply want clearer, more comfortable vision, our board-certified ophthalmologists, led by Dr. Eissa Hanna, offer expert care you can trust.
Our personalized approach ensures each treatment plan is tailored to your vision needs, your digital habits, and your unique goals.
Don’t let screen time interfere with your comfort or eye health. Whether you’re concerned about digital eye strain, macular degeneration, or simply want to build better habits, Precise Sight in Las Vegas is here to help.
Mon-Thurs: 08:00 am – 05:00 pm
Fri: 07:30 am – 03:00 pm
Sat/Sun: Closed
