Working from home has brought flexibility, but also many hours in front of computers, tablets, and smartphones, often at improvised workstations. The result is a very common ailment: digital eye strain, with tired eyes, burning, difficulty focusing, and sometimes headaches at the end of the day.
The right glasses for the screen
The first thing to check is that the prescription is suitable for the screen distance, which is usually between 50 and 70 cm: neither as far away nor as close as a book.
- Updated prescription: even a small uncorrected defect makes itself felt after hours at the computer.
- Office lenses: after age 40, when presbyopia sets in, lenses designed for intermediate distance allow you to see the screen and desk well without tilting your head. We talk about this on the page about presbyopia.
- Anti-reflective coating: reduces reflections of light on the lenses and makes vision more comfortable.
And what about blue light? To date, there is no evidence that blue light from screens damages the eyes, nor that blue light filters reduce eye strain. A correct prescription and good habits matter more.
4 habits for your eyes
- Break every 20 minutes: follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at a point about 6 meters (20 feet) away for 20 seconds. Also remember to blink: we do it much less in front of the screen, and the eyes dry out.
- Right light: the desk should be well-lit, without windows or lamps reflecting on the screen and without strong light differences between the screen and the room.
- Comfortable workstation: screen about an arm's length away, with the top edge at or just below eye level; back supported and feet on the ground. Avoid working with your laptop on the sofa or bed.
- Air not too dry: air conditioning and heating dry out the eyes. Ventilate the room and, if your eyes burn, read our advice on dry eyes at the computer.
If your eyes are often tired even with the right glasses, visual exercises can also help. If, however, you experience pain, double vision, or a decrease in vision, consult an ophthalmologist.
A check-up first and foremost
If you work long hours at the computer and your eyes are tired at the end of the day, the first step is an eye exam: we will check your prescription for screen distance and recommend the most suitable lenses for your work.