Screens are unavoidable—on desks, in hands, even in car dashboards—and eyes are feeling the strain. Yet many people experience symptoms without realizing their screen time could be the cause.

“Our vision is being pushed harder than ever before,” said Dr. Audrey Raley, founder of Refined Eye Care. “Most people are using multiple screens in different environments all day long. It’s far more visually demanding than it was 20 to 30 years ago.”

Why do screens strain the eyes?

Screens strain the eyes for several key reasons, all contributing to visual fatigue and discomfort, including:

• Prolonged close-up focus tires the eyes.
• Switching between screens forces constant refocusing.
• Changing lighting causes glare and strain.
• Blue light from devices adds extra stress.
• Extended use challenges eye alignment and coordination.

If these strains go unaddressed, they can cause increasing discomfort and interfere with daily activities. Over time, this may lead to long-term vision problems.



What problems can prolonged screen usage cause?

Prolonged screen use can lead to a range of issues that affect both comfort and daily functioning, such as:

• Migraines and brow headaches
• Neck pain
• Dizziness
• Shadowing
• Focusing lag
• Double vision
• Tiredness and fatigue

“These symptoms are your eyes’ way of telling you they’re overworked,” Dr. Raley said. “When screen strain is left unaddressed, it can impact not just your vision, but your quality of life.”

How can screen-related eye issues be combated?

Refined Eye Care helps patients reduce digital eye strain by offering lenses tailored to their daily routines. By understanding how each person uses their eyes the team can recommend solutions designed for comfort and clarity.

Some of the lens options that may help include:

• Office lenses: optimized for mid-range and near tasks like computer work
• Anti-fatigue lenses: ease the effort of focusing for long periods
• Progressive lenses: provide smooth vision across multiple distances
• Blue light lenses: reduce glare and support healthy sleep patterns
• Prism lenses: help correct eye alignment issues and reduce double vision or strain

“Every patient’s visual needs are unique,” Dr. Raley said. “Our goal is to provide personalized solutions that enhance comfort and improve quality of life.”



What are the benefits of specialized lenses?

Wearing lenses designed to address digital eye strain offers several important benefits that can improve both vision and overall well-being.

These lenses help reduce the effort required for close-up focusing and minimize the constant adjustments the eyes must make when shifting between different screens and lighting conditions.

By cutting down on eye fatigue, patients often experience less discomfort and improved clarity, making daily tasks like reading, computer work and screen time more manageable. Many also report fewer headaches, reduced sensitivity to glare and better visual comfort throughout the day.

“Specialized lenses do more than just improve clarity in the moment—they protect long-term eye health by reducing strain and preventing further issues,” Dr. Raley said. “When vision is comfortable and supported, patients report higher productivity and quality of life.”

Don’t delay, get checked

“If there’s any doubt about whether your symptoms are normal, it’s always worth coming in for an evaluation,” Dr. Raley said. “Early checkups can catch potential issues before they become more serious.”

New patients who mention Community Impact during their visit can receive $25 off a complete new pair of glasses.

Ready to experience the difference for yourself? Schedule an appointment online or call 830-302-3357 today.

The above story was produced by Community Impact's Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel, with information solely provided by the local business as part of its "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.