Have you ever found yourself taking a break from your computer screen, only to glance down at your phone instead? In today’s world, screens are everywhere. For older adults, keeping up with the digital world has never been more important. From face-timing family and online shopping to self-checkout screens and online banking. As our use of digital devices increases, so do the demands on our eyes.

The average adult in the UK spends approximately 76% of their waking hours online (IT brief, 2024). On average, they spend more than three hours online daily (and that’s just one screen!). While digital technology offers connection, convenience and entertainment, it can also lead to the common condition – DES (digital eye strain).

Close-up tasks like reading text on a screen can become more challenging over time, so it’s important to catch them early! Symptoms of DES (digital eye strain) include:
– Headaches and eye fatigue
– Dry, irritated eyes
– Blurred vision
– Neck and shoulder discomfort

Adults may experience these symptoms more acutely if they already wear prescription lenses. Spending extended periods focusing on screens without breaks can increase vision discomfort.

Specialised occupational lenses can be dispensed to help reduce the strain and discomfort associated with screen use by taking into account your working environment and visual requirements. Unlike most varifocal lenses, occupational lenses offer a wider intermediate zone – the part for those designed for arm’s-length tasks like computer screens.

Our in-house optician has given some tips for optimal digital comfort:
– Take regular screen breaks and follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) (RNIB, 2025).
– Adjust the screen brightness (in your device settings) to match your surroundings.
– Maintain good posture to reduce neck and shoulder strain.
– Schedule a comprehensive eye exam to review your prescription and explore lens options tailored for digital use.

At Whitby & Co., we are dispensing an increasing number of occupational spectacles to people who have only worn multifocal lenses and endured the difficulty, and the results have been remarkable. Our team of opticians can recommend the best lenses and coatings to reduce digital eye strain, making screen time more enjoyable.  Click here to book your appointment today (insert booking link)

Want to know more?:

Occupational Lenses and Varifocals Explained: https://lnkd.in/e-gnkMDE

Sources:
(IT brief, 2024) – https://lnkd.in/e_TGUquF
(RNIB, 2025) – https://lnkd.in/dYCfw_yv