Published: 23 July 2021 | Updated: 28 September 2026 | Author: Smart Vision Optometry
Editorial and clinical update — 30 September 2026: The original article/interview body below is retained in its editorial form, including its attributed quotations and narrative structure. Current evidence and clinical guidance are presented separately below and should be relied on where older wording, screen-time thresholds, blue-light claims or treatment claims differ.
Whether it’s the smart phone and its beguiling apps or the necessary business of working in front of a computer all day, most people are spending far too much time in front of screens. It’s a scenario that eyes aren’t evolved to cope with, and the group of eye problems falling under the umbrella term “Computer Vision Syndrome” (CVS) can be one result.
Behavioural optometrists like Jacqueline Gattegno of Eyes in Design Bondi are experiencing the rise of CVS, or digital eye strain as it is sometimes called, first hand. Her branch of optometry involves further study that helps her to look at how people use their eyes, the visual skills they need to develop, and the therapies they may need in order to use their eyes for the tasks that make up a regular day.
“The most well-known application for behavioural optometry is developmental optometry, where the way children’s visual skills are developing is evaluated, and any issues that may be holding back their schoolwork are addressed,” she says. “But now, increasing numbers of adults are in need of interventions, and many of them are not aware of behavioural optometry as an option. With Computer Vision Syndrome on the rise, this needs to change.”
CVS: Prevalence, Causes, and Symptoms
Estimates of Computer Vision Syndrome vary with the population and definition used. Symptoms may improve with breaks and changes to the working setup, but stopping computer use is not a guaranteed cure. Unfortunately, life isn’t that simple.
For many, the business of making a living is tied to long hours of computer use, and it doesn’t stop there. Staying in touch with friends and family, transacting personal business, and keeping up with the news could all mean even more screen time over and above the time they spend looking at screens during a standard work day.
Long periods of screen work can contribute to digital eye strain; there is no single daily threshold that predicts symptoms in everyone. Additional factors contribute: workplace ergonomics can be an issue, as can age (users over 40 are more prone to CVS), or the presence of pre-existing vision problems.
The symptoms of CVS include tired, sore eyes, headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision, double vision, sensitivity to glare, twitching eyes, and neck and shoulder pain. These symptoms can occur during screen work, but they may also have other causes that need assessment.
Evidence shows that people blink less than they ought to when looking at screens. The muscles of the eye are also forced to concentrate on the nearby screen for extended periods instead of frequently working to change focus from near to far to mid-distance as they would in the natural context for which they were evolved. Glare, reflections and uncomfortable text size or contrast can also make screen work harder. This does not establish blue light as the cause of symptoms.
Add existing vision issues, glasses that aren’t well-designed to work at screen viewing distance, poor posture, and environmental issues like incorrect lighting or airflows that dry out the eyes into the equation and people have a challenge that their eyes simply can’t cope with comfortably. Symptoms may improve when contributing factors are addressed. Digital eye strain and myopia (short-sightedness) are different concerns and should not be treated as the same diagnosis.
How Behavioural Optometry Helps
With so many factors playing a role in causing Computer Vision Syndrome, individual assessments and interventions are often required, but there are a few basics we can try observing on our own, says Jacqueline.
“The 20-20-20 rule is worth trying. After 20 minutes of screentime, spend 20 minutes looking at something 20 feet away. You should also be aware of blinking, and blink often. It can be hard to develop these habits, but they will help in reducing strain on the eyes. Computer monitors should be 40 to 50 centimetres away from your eyes and you should be looking downward slightly when viewing them. Lightning shouldn’t be directly overhead, behind, or in front of you or too bright. Good posture also helps.”
Editorial correction — 28 September 2026: The original quotation above says “20 minutes” for the distance-viewing break. The 20-20-20 reminder actually means looking roughly 20 feet (6 metres) away for 20 seconds, about every 20 minutes. The quotation is preserved as originally published, not presented as the corrected instruction. Screen distance should be adapted to the monitor, task and prescription. See the AOA guidance.
However, these habits, good as they are, might not be enough to solve the problem. “People may need computer glasses,” says Jacqueline. “They should be made for the screen viewing distance and they may be tinted to counteract blue light. And when eye muscles are severely strained, eye exercises can make a big difference in relieving the symptoms of eye strain.”
Evidence update: A 2023 Cochrane review of 17 trials found blue-light-filtering glasses may offer no short-term advantage for computer-related eye strain over lenses without that filter. A suitable prescription is a separate consideration. Eye exercises are not a universal remedy and should follow diagnosis of a specific problem.
“There’s no single solution because everyone’s eyes are different. A behavioural optometrist would be able to evaluate both eyesight and the way in which eyes are used, and both could be important in developing a program to combat Computer Vision Syndrome.”
HEAR: Ultra106.5FM Interview with Jacqueline Gattegno – Changes in Eyesight Due to a Rise in Stress Levels
For more information on vision therapy and how it works, or to book an appointment, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.
Book an appointment for a thorough eye check-up or Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.
Current evidence and clinical context
Digital eye strain, also called computer vision syndrome, describes symptoms such as tired or uncomfortable eyes, dryness, blurred vision and headache associated with prolonged near-screen tasks. Symptoms can have more than one contributor, including reduced blinking, ocular-surface dryness, an unsuitable prescription, working distance, glare and workstation ergonomics.
Healthdirect Australia’s dry-eye guidance notes that screen use can contribute to dry-eye symptoms and recommends measures such as regular breaks and conscious blinking alongside treatment of the underlying cause where needed.
A Cochrane review of blue-light-filtering spectacle lenses found that blue-light-filtering lenses may make little or no difference to short-term computer-related eye strain compared with lenses that do not filter blue light. A suitable prescription, working distance and symptom-specific assessment remain separate considerations.
The 20-20-20 reminder can be used as a practical break prompt, but it is not a diagnosis or guaranteed treatment. Persistent, recurrent or severe symptoms should be assessed rather than attributed automatically to screen use.
Screen comfort and when to seek help
The original Jacqueline Gattegno interview is retained above. Breaks and workstation adjustments can be useful habits, but neither the 20-20-20 reminder nor any single product guarantees relief. Persistent or recurrent symptoms warrant an individual assessment.
Read related articles on working from home and eye comfort, dry, irritated or watery eyes, and digital eye strain in children. Our digital eye strain service explains the assessment pathway.
Sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, new flashes with many floaters, or a curtain-like shadow need urgent care rather than a trial of screen breaks.
Frequently asked questions
Is digital eye strain the same as computer vision syndrome?
Yes. The terms commonly describe the same group of screen-related symptoms, although an assessment may identify different contributing causes.
Does the 20-20-20 rule mean taking 20 minutes off?
No. It means looking about 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds, roughly every 20 minutes.
Should everyone buy blue-light-filtering glasses?
The evidence does not support them as a general solution for computer-related eye strain. Discuss your prescription, working distance and symptoms first.
Book an assessment in Bondi Beach or Mosman
Contact the Bondi Beach practice or Mosman practice to discuss recurring screen discomfort and an appropriate appointment.
