Published: 15 April 2025 | Updated: 28 September 2026 | Author: Smart Vision Optometry
The shift to remote work has transformed the modern workplace, offering flexibility and eliminating long commutes. However, with this change comes a significant, often-overlooked downside—digital eye strain. While working from home has undeniable benefits, Australian Smart Vision behavioural optometrists Gary Rodney and Jacquie Gattegno warn that extended screen time and reduced outdoor exposure can have serious consequences for eye health.
The Toll of Digital Eye Strain
Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, occurs when prolonged screen use places excessive strain on the eyes. According to Rodney, a Master of Optometry and Fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC), many remote workers experience symptoms such as:
- Blurred or double vision
- Dry, itchy, or burning eyes
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Difficulty focusing on distant objects
- Headaches and fatigue
“These symptoms may seem temporary, but over time, they can contribute to more serious and lasting visual impairments,” says Rodney.
Clinical clarification — 28 September 2026: The original interview quotation is retained. Digital eye strain symptoms do not, by themselves, establish permanent damage or myopia progression. Persistent symptoms deserve assessment; sudden vision loss, severe pain or new double vision need prompt medical advice.
Gattegno, Master in Behavioural Optometry, Orthokeratologist and Principal Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Smart Vision Optometry Bondi, adds that digital eye strain doesn’t just impact vision—it also affects productivity and overall well-being. “Eye fatigue can lead to reduced concentration, discomfort, and even migraines, making it harder to stay focused and efficient throughout the workday.”
Screen Time and the Myopia Epidemic
One of the most concerning consequences of excessive screen use is its link to myopia (short-sightedness). Myopia causes distant objects to appear blurry, and research suggests that prolonged near-work activities, such as reading or staring at screens, contribute to its development and progression.
Rodney discusses the demands of prolonged close viewing. “When we spend hours staring at a screen, our eyes adapt to that distance, making it harder to shift focus to farther objects. This can accelerate myopia progression, especially in younger individuals.”
The Impact of the Indoor Lifestyle
Before remote work became widespread, those who spent long hours on screens were often advised to take regular breaks and spend time outdoors to give their eyes a chance to relax. However, during COVID-19 lockdowns, many new remote workers were confined indoors with little opportunity for outdoor exposure.
“Many people working from home during the pandemic were under significant stress—worried about their health, job security, and financial stability,” says Rodney. “Eye care was likely the last thing on their minds.”
Research supports outdoor time for reducing the onset of childhood myopia. Evidence is less clear for slowing progression after myopia has developed, and childhood findings cannot establish that a particular routine prevents adult myopia. But the shift to home-based work has left many trapped at their desks, reinforcing poor visual habits.
Preventing Digital Eye Strain and Myopia Progression
While remote work is here to stay, there are ways to protect your eyes and reduce the impact of prolonged screen exposure:
1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet (about 6 metres) away. This is a practical reminder to interrupt sustained near work, not a guaranteed treatment.
2. Prioritise Outdoor Time
Make regular outdoor activity part of the day where practical, with appropriate sun protection. Do not treat a fixed outdoor-time target as a proven treatment for an adult’s myopia or recurring screen symptoms.
3. Adjust Your Screen Setup
Start with your screen’s centre slightly below eye level, around an arm’s length away, and adapt the setup to your task and prescription. Reduce glare by adjusting brightness and contrast settings or using an anti-glare screen protector.
4. Blink More Often
Staring at a screen reduces blink rates, leading to dry eyes. Make a conscious effort to blink more frequently, or use lubricating eye drops if needed.
5. Consider the Evidence on Blue Light Filters
Blue-light-filtering spectacles are not a proven general solution for computer-related eye strain. A 2023 Cochrane review found they may offer no short-term advantage over lenses without that filter; sleep-related outcomes were uncertain. A suitable prescription and comfortable setup are separate considerations.
6. Schedule Regular Eye Exams
An eye assessment can investigate recurring discomfort, prescription changes and relevant focusing or eye-coordination problems. Vision therapy or orthokeratology (Ortho-K) requires a specific clinical indication; neither is an automatic treatment for working from home. Learn more about Ortho-K.
Taking Control of Your Eye Health
With remote work becoming the norm, it’s crucial to adopt healthy visual habits to protect long-term eye health. Rodney and Gattegno urge remote workers to be proactive in preventing digital eye strain.
“Your vision is one of your most valuable assets. Making small adjustments now can prevent serious problems in the future,” says Gattegno.
For more information on digital eye strain, visit Smart Vision Optometry’s website. To learn about myopia prevention and treatment, visit Myopia Prevention or explore Orthokeratology in Sydney.
Book an appointment for a Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment, or call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.Experience the difference a holistic approach to vision care can make. Contact Smart Vision Optometry today to see the world in a new way.
Current evidence and appointment preparation
Gary Rodney’s and Jacquie Gattegno’s original interview comments are retained above. Their concerns are not a guarantee that screen discomfort will cause permanent impairment or that a routine will prevent future eye disease. The AOA computer-vision guidance, Cochrane blue-light-filter review and IMI review of outdoor light and myopia provide further context.
Bring your current glasses, usual screen distance and a short symptom record to an appointment. A photograph of the desk can help explain the task. Related reporting covers computer vision syndrome, dry and watery eyes and adult visual comfort.
Frequently asked questions
Can working from home cause eye discomfort?
Long screen sessions and an unsuitable setup can contribute to discomfort. An assessment may identify prescription, eye-surface or other factors as well.
Should I bring my workstation details to an eye test?
Yes. Your screen distance, task demands, current glasses and a short symptom record can help explain the problem.
Are blue-light filters the main solution?
No. Review the setup and symptoms first. Evidence does not support blue-light-filtering glasses as a general solution for computer-related eye strain.
Get help with recurring screen discomfort
Explore our digital eye strain assessment service. Contact the Bondi Beach practice or Mosman practice to discuss an appointment.
