Screen time surge behind rising eye strain cases

KATHMANDU: With digital devices becoming a daily necessity, cases of eye strain are on the rise, particularly among students and office workers.

Prolonged exposure to screens is contributing to blurred vision, dry eyes, and frequent headaches, health data shows.

Many people now spend over 8 hours a day in front of computers, phones, or televisions.

This intense visual demand reduces blinking rates, leading to dryness and discomfort in the eyes. Artificial lighting and small text sizes also add to the strain.

Common symptoms of screen-related eye problems include irritation, burning sensations, watery eyes, and sensitivity to light.

In some cases, these symptoms disrupt sleep patterns and reduce productivity.

Simple changes like following the 20-20-20 rule—looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes—can help ease the strain.

Regular breaks, adjusting screen brightness, and maintaining proper distance from screens are also effective preventive steps.

As digital usage continues to grow, awareness and good eye habits have become more important than ever to protect vision.