Optical Express is one of the UK and Ireland's leading providers of private vision correction surgery. Its flagship Glasgow Centre of Excellence has achieved the highest "Exceptional" rating from Healthcare Improvement Scotland, the independent regulator for healthcare services in Scotland, with equivalent bodies including the CQC in England, HIW in Wales and RQIA in Northern Ireland.
Vision correction procedures are designed to reduce dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Many patients seek treatment to improve day-to-day visual freedom and reduce the practical challenges sometimes associated with traditional vision correction, such as discomfort from contact lenses or difficulties some individuals experience when adapting to multifocal spectacles. Contact lens wear is also commonly associated with symptoms of dry eye, including irritation, fluctuating vision and reduced comfort during prolonged use. By removing the need for ongoing contact lens wear, vision correction surgery can address these issues for suitable patients. As with all medical procedures, both contact lens use and surgical vision correction carry risks, and patients should be appropriately assessed and advised by a qualified clinician.
As National Unplug Day approaches, it may be time to reflect on our digital habits. Recent research suggests that people in the UK spend many hours each day looking at screens for both work and leisure activities. With our eyes focused on smartphones, laptops, tablets and televisions for much of the day, understanding how extended screen use—alongside our chosen method of vision correction—affects visual comfort has never been more important.
Dr Stephen Hannan, Optical Express Group Clinical Services Director and International Medical Advisory Board (IMAB) Member, commented:
"We are seeing more patients than ever whose lifestyles involve prolonged screen use, often across multiple devices throughout the day. Extended digital activity places sustained demands on the visual system, and for some individuals this can highlight underlying vision or eye surface issues that may previously have gone unnoticed."
Whether you're working from home, scrolling through social media, or binge-watching your favourite series, your eyes are working harder than ever. Here's what you need to know about protecting your vision in our increasingly digital world.
How Screen Time Affects Your Eyes
Extended screen use places sustained demands on the visual system. When focusing on digital devices, the eyes must maintain continuous focus, process changing images and adapt to varying light levels. This effort can lead to a range of symptoms collectively known as digital eye strain, sometimes referred to as computer vision syndrome.
Compared with printed material, digital screen use may involve:
- Exposure to blue light emitted by LED displays
- Frequent refocusing between different on-screen elements
- Glare and reflections from screen surfaces
- Reduced blink rates, which can contribute to dry eye symptoms
Studies have shown that people tend to blink significantly less frequently when using digital devices. Reduced blinking can limit the natural lubrication of the eye, contributing to irritation and discomfort.
Dr Stephen Hannan added:
"One of the most common clinical findings in frequent screen users is ocular surface dryness. When blink rate reduces, the tear film becomes less stable, which can result in fluctuating vision, irritation and reduced visual comfort—particularly for contact lens wearers."
Common Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain
Symptoms can range from mild to more noticeable and may include:
- Dry, irritated or gritty-feeling eyes
- Blurred vision or difficulty focusing
- Headaches, particularly around the temples or forehead
- Neck, shoulder and back discomfort associated with posture
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Eye fatigue or heavy eyelids
- Reduced concentration
These symptoms often worsen as the day progresses and may improve after time away from screens. Persistent symptoms should not be ignored, as they may indicate an underlying vision or eye-surface issue.
The Truth About Blue Light
Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum and is emitted by digital screens, LED lighting and natural sunlight.
Current evidence indicates that:
- Blue light exposure from screens is substantially lower than that received from daylight
- Evening exposure may affect sleep by influencing melatonin production
- The long-term effects on eye health continue to be studied
- Blue-light-filtering settings may help improve visual comfort for some users, particularly later in the day
Focusing on overall screen habits and visual ergonomics is generally more beneficial than concentrating on blue light exposure alone.
Dr Stephen Hannan said:
"While blue light often receives significant attention, in clinical practice we find that factors such as sustained near focus, reduced blinking and poor workstation ergonomics are more commonly responsible for patient symptoms than blue light exposure alone."
Expert Tips to Protect Your Vision
There are practical, evidence-based steps that can help reduce digital eye strain and support long-term eye health.
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Every 20 minutes, look at something around 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to allow your focusing system to relax.
Optimise Your Workspace
Position your screen roughly an arm's length away and slightly below eye level. Match screen brightness to your surroundings and minimise glare from windows or overhead lighting.
Blink More Often
Make a conscious effort to blink fully and regularly. Lubricating eye drops may help if dryness persists, particularly in air-conditioned or heated environments.
Adjust Your Screen Settings
Increase text size to avoid squinting and consider using night-mode or warmer colour settings in the evening.
Take Regular Breaks
Step away from screens during the day, take proper lunch breaks and build in screen-free periods where possible.
When to See an Eye Care Professional
While digital eye strain is often temporary, professional assessment is recommended if you experience:
- Vision changes that do not improve with rest
- Persistent headaches or eye discomfort
- Double vision
- Sudden changes in sight
- Difficulty focusing that affects daily activities
Regular comprehensive eye examinations are important for maintaining eye health. Many adults benefit from an eye examination at least every two years, or as advised by their optometrist. An eye care professional can identify underlying factors such as uncorrected refractive error, dry eye disease or focusing difficulties that may be exacerbated by prolonged screen use.
Finding Balance in a Digital World
Screens are an unavoidable part of modern life, but small changes in daily habits can make a meaningful difference to comfort and visual performance. By understanding how digital devices affect the eyes and adopting practical protective strategies, it is possible to reduce strain and maintain comfortable vision throughout the day.
This National Unplug Day provides a useful reminder to reassess screen habits—whether that means following the 20-20-20 rule, improving workstation setup or simply taking more regular breaks.
Dr Stephen Hannan concluded:
"For patients who find that glasses or contact lenses no longer suit their lifestyle—particularly those experiencing dryness, fluctuating vision or visual fatigue during prolonged screen use—there are now advanced vision correction options available. Modern laser vision correction and presbyopia-correcting lens replacement procedures can, following appropriate clinical assessment, reduce dependence on visual aids and support more consistent day-to-day visual performance."
If you are considering a change in how you manage your vision, Optical Express offers comprehensive consultations to explore whether Laser Vision Correction or Presbyopia Correcting Lens Replacement Surgery may be suitable for you. A detailed clinical assessment will determine the most appropriate option based on your eyes, lifestyle and long-term visual needs.
Book a free consultation today and experience our first-class care for yourself.
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