Does spending too long at a computer damage your eyes?

Computers, tablets and phones have become essential parts of everyday life. However, prolonged use of these devices can cause some eye health problems. So, does spending too long at a computer really damage your eyes?

Computer use does not directly increase your eye prescription, meaning it does not cause short-sightedness or long-sightedness. However, looking at a screen for long periods can make your eyes feel tired and uncomfortable. This is known as “digital eye strain” (computer vision syndrome).

Symptoms of digital eye strain

• Dryness and burning in the eyes
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Aching and stinging in the eyes
• Difficulty focusing

The main cause of these symptoms is blinking less often while looking at a screen. We normally blink an average of 15-20 times per minute, but this can drop to 5-7 when using a screen. This disrupts the tear film and leads to dryness.

Focusing on nearby objects for long periods can cause temporary blurred vision, particularly in children and young people, and eye strain in older people.

What can you do to protect your eyes?

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something approximately 6 metres (20 feet) away for 20 seconds.
• Make a conscious effort to blink more often.
• Keep a distance of 50–70 cm between your eyes and the screen.
• Use screen filters that reduce glare.

Computer use does not “damage” your eyes, but prolonged use can negatively affect eye health; simple precautions can help protect against these effects. If burning and dryness persist, you can find treatment options on the Dry Eye Treatment page.