The coastal-tech reality
From remote work to homework, our screen time is up—and that’s before sunset photos on the Strand. If your eyes feel gritty, your vision fluctuates, or you’re fighting afternoon headaches, you might be dealing with digital eye strain. But when do symptoms signal something more?
What is screen-related eye fatigue?
Also called digital eye strain, it’s a cluster of symptoms triggered by prolonged close-up tasks:
- Tired, burning, or dry eyes
- Blurry vision that clears when you look away
- Headaches (often around the brow)
- Neck/shoulder tension
- Light sensitivity and trouble focusing between near and far
These symptoms are common—but they shouldn’t be constant.
Quick home fixes that actually help
- Follow 20-20-20: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Blink more (and better): Consciously blink fully; consider preservative-free artificial tears.
- Dial in your setup: Center the screen slightly below eye level; keep it at arm’s length; reduce harsh overhead glare; increase text size.
- Light the room right: Soft, even lighting beats bright backlighting.
- Manage reflections: Matte screen protectors and anti-glare coatings on lenses can be game-changers.
- Hydrate & humidify: Dry ocean air plus AC can dehydrate the ocular surface.
If you’re outdoors a lot (we see you, cyclists and pickleball players), quality sunglasses with full UV protection reduce squinting and fatigue.
Lenses that love screen time
If you already wear glasses—or suspect you should—purpose-built optics can make a dramatic difference:
- Computer/office lenses: Optimized for mid-range (monitor) and near work with a wider sweet spot than standard progressives.
- Single-vision “computer” glasses: A dedicated prescription tuned to your exact working distance.
- Anti-reflective (AR) coatings: Cut reflections and improve contrast, especially under office lighting.
- Light-adaptive lenses (photochromic): Smooth the shift from bright outdoor light to indoor screens for coastal lifestyles.
- Blue-light-filtering options: May enhance comfort for some users and reduce perceived glare—best paired with proper ergonomics and AR coatings.
Your LOOK! Optometry doctor will measure your working distances (laptop, external monitor, phone) and recommend the right prescription and lens design. We’ll also help you choose frames that balance style with real-world comfort during long sessions.
When it’s more than “just screens”
Book an eye exam if you notice any of the following:
- Distance blur (road signs, the board across a room) or night-driving issues
- Double vision, frequent headaches, or eyes that don’t feel coordinated
- Persistent dry eye symptoms that don’t improve with basic care
- Sudden changes in vision, flashes, floaters, or eye pain (seek care promptly)
An eye exam can uncover uncorrected prescriptions, binocular vision issues (how your eyes team), dry eye disease, and other conditions that mimic “screen fatigue.”
FAQ: Screen Fatigue & Eye Exams
What are symptoms of screen-related eye fatigue?
Tired, dry, or burning eyes; intermittent blur; headaches around the brow; neck/shoulder tension; and light sensitivity—especially after hours at a laptop or phone.
Can I prevent digital eye strain without glasses?
Often, yes. Use the 20-20-20 rule, optimize your workstation (distance, height, lighting), increase text size, and manage glare. Artificial tears, better blinking, hydration, and breaks help, too. If symptoms persist, an exam can determine whether a prescription or dry eye treatment will help.
What kind of lenses help with screen time?
Computer/office lenses, single-vision computer glasses, AR coatings, and light-adaptive or blue-light-filtering options can all improve comfort. The ideal setup depends on your prescription and work distances.
See (and feel) better—on and off the screen
If screen days leave your eyes drained, we can help. Schedule a comprehensive exam at LOOK! Optometry in Manhattan Beach and get a customized plan—plus frames you’ll love to wear.