Why Do My Eyes Hurt Staring At A Screen All Day?

by | Sep 16, 2023 | Eye Health News

In today’s digital age, many of us find ourselves spending a significant portion of our day in front of screens, whether it’s for work, entertainment, or communication. While these screens have undoubtedly made our lives more convenient, they can also lead to a common problem: eye discomfort and strain. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do my eyes hurt staring at a screen all day?” this blog post is for you. We’ll explore the reasons behind this discomfort and provide practical tips to alleviate it.

1. Digital Eye Strain: The Modern Dilemma

Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is a widespread issue that affects people who spend prolonged periods in front of digital screens. It’s characterized by a range of symptoms, including eye discomfort, dryness, redness, blurred vision, and headaches. Several factors contribute to digital eye strain:

2. Prolonged Screen Time: One of the primary reasons your eyes hurt after staring at a screen all day is the sheer amount of time you spend doing it. Staring at a screen for hours on end without breaks can lead to eye strain.

3. Blue Light Emission: Digital screens emit blue light, which has a shorter wavelength and higher energy than other colors on the spectrum. Prolonged exposure to blue light can disrupt your sleep patterns and cause eye strain.

4. Poor Lighting Conditions: Inadequate lighting in your workspace can force your eyes to work harder to see the screen clearly, leading to discomfort.

5. Improper Screen Positioning: Incorrect positioning of your screen can lead to poor ergonomics, forcing your eyes to work at uncomfortable angles or distances.

6. Reduced Blink Rate: When staring at a screen, people tend to blink less frequently, leading to dry eyes. Blinking is crucial as it moistens the eyes and prevents dryness and discomfort.

7. Unhealthy Habits: Using screens before bedtime can interfere with your sleep cycle, exacerbating eye strain. Additionally, not taking regular breaks from the screen can contribute to discomfort.

2. How to Alleviate Screen-Related Eye Discomfort

Now that we’ve identified the reasons behind your eye discomfort, let’s explore some practical solutions to help alleviate it:

1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break, and focus on something at least 20 feet away. This simple practice can reduce eye strain.

2. Adjust Your Screen: Position your screen at eye level and maintain a comfortable distance (about an arm’s length) to reduce the need for your eyes to strain.

3. Use Proper Lighting: Ensure your workspace is well-lit, and avoid glare or reflections on your screen.

4. Blue Light Filters: Consider using blue light filters on your screens, or wear blue light-blocking glasses to reduce the impact of blue light on your eyes.

5. Blink More: Remind yourself to blink regularly while working on a computer. Consider using lubricating eye drops if dryness persists.

6. Take Regular Breaks: Schedule short breaks during your workday to rest your eyes and stretch your body.

7. Adjust Screen Settings: Adjust the brightness, contrast, and text size on your screen to make it more comfortable for your eyes.

8. Monitor Your Screen Time: Be mindful of your screen time, especially before bedtime. Limit exposure to screens in the evening to improve sleep quality.

3. Consult a Professional

If your eye discomfort persists despite following these tips, it’s essential to consult an eye care professional. They can assess your eye health, prescribe special computer glasses if needed, and offer tailored advice to address your specific concerns.

In conclusion, the discomfort you experience from staring at a screen all day is a common problem in our digital age. However, by understanding the causes and implementing practical solutions like the 20-20-20 rule, proper screen positioning, and reducing blue light exposure, you can significantly reduce eye strain and discomfort. Remember, your eye health is essential, so take proactive steps to protect it in our screen-dominated world.

Tatum Eyecare is North Phoenix’s premier family eye care center. We’ve spared no expense to create the most pleasant, comfortable patient experience… including the finest furnishings, the best selection of prescription eyeglass frames, the most cutting-edge technology, and the most outstanding team of industry professionals. Come see why the choice for family eye care in the Valley has never been clearer.

Dr. Bryan Fuller

Dr. Bryan Fuller of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Fuller grew up in Issaquah, Washington and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University. He decided to ditch the calculator and trade it in for a phoropter and slit lamp. He headed east to The Ohio State University where he received his Optometry degree in 1998. Go Bucks! Not wanting to return to the gray of Washington, after graduation, he headed southwest to sunny Arizona. Shortly thereafter he met Dr. McPhelan and they partnered up at their original location, Optical Illusions. With the success of the first location, the two doctors opened up their north location, Optique at the Ridge. After many years of operating the two locations, it was time for an upgrade. In 2016 they merged the two locations into their larger and current location, Tatum Eyecare! When not at the office, Dr. Fuller enjoys spending his free time with his amazing wife and two boys. Dr. Fuller holds the following degrees:

Ohio State University - Doctorate of Optometry
Washington State University - B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Dr. James McPhelan

Dr. James McPhelan of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. McPhelan grew up in Southern California and enlisted in the Army at age 17. He graduated from Southern California College of Optometry in 1976, then started practicing optometry in Arizona in 1977. Over the next few years, he grew 20/20 Eye Care to 15 offices. In 1999, he and Dr. Fuller took over Optical Illusions, then opened Optique at the Ridge. In 2016, they created Tatum Eyecare. In his spare time, Dr. McPhelan is an avid golfer, often competing in multiple tournaments through the year. Dr. McPhelan holds the following degrees:


Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Houle

Dr. Houle
Dr. Houle is following in her father's footsteps as an optometrist. She is a North Dakota native who received her Bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota before earning her Doctorate of Optometry from Midwestern University - Arizona College of Optometry. Dr. Houle began her career in eye care more than 10 years ago, and she worked as a receptionist, optician, and technician before becoming an optometrist. She has a particular interest in the management of ocular disease including dry eye and glaucoma. In her free time, Dr. Houle is an avid baseball fan (go Twins!) and spends as much time as possible with her friends and family in both Arizona and North Dakota.

Midwestern University – Arizona College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry
University of North Dakota - Bachelor of Science: Biology

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. O’Daniel was born in the beautiful mountains of Waynesville, North Carolina and grew up in Dayton, Ohio. He attended Wright State University and graduated with his BS in Biology in 1977; shortly thereafter, beginning his Masters in BioChemistry.

Dr. O’Daniel is also a 1983 graduate of the Illinois College Optometry. He met his wife Lori during this period. Lori, a Chicago native, became an integral part of his practice (and life!) shortly thereafter.
He moved to Scottsdale in 1986 to begin practicing inside LensCrafters. In 1990 Dr. O'Daniel opened the Scottsdale LensCrafters, and he also presided as its director of Optometric services.
Dr. O’Daniel became an Optometrist because of his love and passion for photography, physics, and desire provide patients with the ability to see the world more clearly. As a licensed optometrist, Dr. O’Daniel provides complete eye care services for the surrounding communities ages seven and up.
Dr. O’Daniel has had a working relationship with both Dr. Fuller and McPhellan for over two decades. He has served as past director for the Arizona Optometric Association, and past President of the Central Arizona Optometric Society. In January, 2018 Dr. O’Daniel decided to join Tatum Eye Care, the premier Eye Care Center in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Dr. O’Daniel’s goal is simple: Provide Excellent Eye Care, treat patients as family, and treat everyone honestly and fairly!

Dr. Christina Wong

Dr. Christina Wong of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
A southern California native, Dr. Wong attended UCLA where she received her B.S. in Biology. She then completed her Doctorate of Optometry at the Southern California College of Optometry. Dr. Wong moved to Arizona to complete a residency in ocular disease at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital on the Gila River Indian Reservation. Following residency, Dr. Wong earned the distinction of Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Wong provides comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages, from pediatrics through seniors. She has a special interest in the management of medical eye conditions including glaucoma, eye infections, dry eye and diabetic retinopathy.
Outside of the office, Dr. Wong enjoys running, going to the beach, rooting for the Bruins, and spending time with her husband and three daughters.
University of California Los Angeles - B.S. in Biology
Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Ryan Felten

Dr. Felten of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Felten is a native to Arizona, and was raised in North Phoenix where most of his family still resides. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University; then returned home to Arizona to pursue his Doctor of Optometry at Midwestern University in Glendale. While at Midwestern University, he was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society and was the recipient of the Clinical Excellence Award in Pediatrics and Vision Therapy. Dr. Felten enjoys working with patients of all ages and also speaks fluent Spanish. Dr. Felten holds the following degrees:


Brigham Young University - Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Midwestern University - Doctorate of Optometry