placed here only to preload the colorbox scripts
Skip to Main Content
Salus University Health
Home About
Events Contact Drexel University, Elkins Park Campus
The Eye Institute

Stay Safe and Protect Your Eyes When Using a Computer

  • 14 August 2025

Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. As incredible as it is how advanced technology has become, one downside is the strain it can place on our eyes. Spending hours looking at a screen without regular breaks can lead to a range of negative effects.

Student using his computer pic1“One thing I tell my patients is when they take a break from their computer screens, try not to go straight to their personal device and continue to stare at a digital screen. Try to take a break from any digital device you are using,” said Dr. David Meltzer, interim vice president of Clinical Operations, which includes The Eye Institute of Drexel University.

Around 70 percent of workers complain of eyestrain, according to the National Eye Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). There are a variety of factors that contribute to this, including lighting, glare, poor posture, uncorrected vision problems, and screen quality/resolution. These can include:

  • Headaches 
  • Eyestrain 
  • Blurry vision 
  • Dry eye 
  • Neck and shoulder pain 

Computer Vision Syndrome is used to describe any combination of these symptoms as a result of prolonged screen use. Symptoms are typically temporary, but can recur and worsen in the future if preventive action isn’t taken. For many, regular computer and phone use is unavoidable, but some actions can help reduce symptoms.

Looking at computer over student's shoulder picAccording to the American Optometric Association (AOA), the best ways to protect our eyes from computer screens are:

  • Use the 20/20/20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look away from screen for 20 seconds and focus on objects 20 feet away. 
  • Ensure proper lighting 
  • Schedule regular eye exams 
  • Reduce glare 
  • Use High-resolution screens 
  • Reduce blue light 

Looking at screens is essential for our daily lives, but it’s important to remember to be safe and protected. 

For more information about eye health, contact The Eye Institute to figure out what solutions might work best for you. Call 215.276.6111 or visit Salusuhealth.com/TEI to make an appointment.