Digital Eye Strain

Sore Eyes

Do your eyes hurt from staring at a computer all day? Are they dry and itchy? Do you suffer from loss of focus, blurry vision or fatigue? Headaches or neck pain? All these things are symptoms of digital eye strain (also called Computer Vision Syndrome) which is defined as the 'physical discomfort felt after two or more hours in front of a digital screen'.

Ouch

Reading screens can sometimes hurt - Small type, screen glare and pixelated images force our eyes to work harder in order to focus. That’s counter-productive, uncomfortable – and yet another reason why your eyes are so tired all the time.

Digital Screens

Most of us spend the majority of our waking hours staring at digital screens, whether it's the computer at work, mobile phone, iPad, PlayStation… or just relaxing the old fashioned way in front of TV. All this screen time can be hard on your eyes and can lead to eye strain.

There is a Solution

There are a few ways to combat digital eye strain: In addition to our Baxter Blue glasses, we suggest you adopt the 20-20-20 rule which says that for every 20 minutes of screen time you should look at something 20 feet (6 meters) away for 20 seconds. Another great tip is to ensure you position yourself at arms distance from your screen.

Some Facts About Digital Eye Strain

10 Hours a Day – the number of hours the average Australian spends looking at a digital screen*

80% of people report using digital devices in the hours before going to sleep, which has been shown to disrupt sleep patterns by increasing alertness in the brain through the suppression of melatonin***

65% of digital device users experience digital eye strain symptoms with 75% of people who use two or more devices simultaneously affected**

19% of employees recently surveyed showed an increase in productivity by wearing computer eyewear****

Sources

* Ernst & Young (2016). Digital Australia. Sydney, NSW
** Eyes Overexposed: The Digital Device Dilemma, 2016 Digital Eye Strain Report, The Vision Council, USA
*** health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/health-pubhlth-strateg-phys-act-guidelines
**** UAB School of Optometry - A study on worker productivity and computer vision

Blue Light FAQs

What is blue light?

Blue light is a type of visible light on the electromagnetic spectrum, with wavelengths between 380 and 500 nanometres. It has more energy per photon than other visible light, which is why it is called high-energy visible (HEV) light. Blue light is naturally present in sunlight and plays an important role in regulating our circadian rhythms, alertness, and mood.

Why is blue light a concern?

The challenge isn’t blue light itself, but the way modern life has changed our exposure to it. Sunlight contains a balanced spectrum of colours, including red and infrared wavelengths that buffer the effects of blue. Artificial light sources such as LED bulbs, smartphones, tablets, and computer screens, however, emit concentrated amounts of isolated blue light. Too much exposure, especially at night, can confuse the body’s biological clock and strain the eyes.

How does blue light affect sleep?

Blue light strongly influences melatonin, the hormone that signals it’s time to sleep. Evening exposure from screens or bright LEDs suppresses melatonin release, making it harder to fall asleep and reducing sleep quality. Over time, this disruption can affect the body’s natural circadian rhythm, leaving you feeling less rested and more fatigued.

Can blue light damage the eyes?

Research shows that prolonged screen use contributes to digital eye strain, which includes symptoms like tired eyes, dryness, blurred vision, and headaches. Because blue light scatters more easily in the eye, it can make focusing harder, especially in low light. There is also emerging evidence that long-term exposure to high-energy blue light may add stress to retinal cells, though more studies are needed to fully understand these effects.

Is blue light always bad?

No. Blue light in the right context is actually beneficial. Morning exposure to natural sunlight helps regulate circadian rhythms, improve mood, and increase alertness. The issue is not blue light itself, but when and how much we are exposed to it—particularly from artificial sources after dark.

How can I protect myself from blue light?

You don’t need to avoid blue light completely, but you can reduce unnecessary exposure. During the day, take regular screen breaks and use natural daylight where possible. In the evening, try blue light blocking glasses, screen filters, or switch your devices to “night mode” to reduce blue wavelengths. Replacing bright white bulbs with warmer lighting at night also helps.

Who benefits from blue light protection?

Anyone who spends long hours in front of digital devices can benefit, especially office workers, students, and children. Blue light protection is also valuable for people who struggle with sleep, shift workers exposed to artificial light at night, or anyone sensitive to eye strain.