Does Screen Time Damage Eyes?
Screens do not cause permanent eye damage in normal use. However, extended screen time can cause digital eye strain - temporary symptoms like dryness, fatigue, headaches, and blurred vision. These symptoms resolve with rest. The bigger concern for children may be insufficient outdoor time affecting developing vision.
Key Takeaways
- Digital eye strain (also called computer vision syndrome) is real but temporary.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Proper lighting, screen positioning, and appropriate brightness reduce strain.
Explanation
Digital eye strain (also called computer vision syndrome) is real but temporary. Symptoms include tired eyes, dryness, headaches, blurred vision, and neck pain. These occur because we blink less when focusing on screens and hold devices at fixed distances for extended periods.
Blue light from screens has received attention, but research has not shown it causes eye damage at typical exposure levels. Blue light blocking glasses may help some people with eye strain or sleep, but they are not necessary for eye protection.
For children, the concern is less about screen damage and more about displacement of outdoor time. Studies suggest outdoor time may help prevent or slow myopia (nearsightedness) development. This may be about light exposure and distance viewing rather than screen avoidance.
Things to Know
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Proper lighting, screen positioning, and appropriate brightness reduce strain.
- Eye problems during screen use may indicate need for corrective lenses, not screen damage.