1. What Is Digital Eye Strain? Digital Eye Strain includes a set of symptoms associated with prolonged screen use, such as: • Dryness and irritation of the eyes • Fatigue of the surrounding eye muscles • Eye or head pain • Difficulty focusing or blurred vision • Burning or itching sensations 2. Factors That Increase the Impact of Screens on the Eyes • Long daily hours of screen use • Improper lighting or high screen contrast • Continuous near-distance focus without breaks • Uncorrected vision problems requiring glasses or lenses 3. Long-Term Effects Extended screen use may lead to: • Chronic eye strain • Progression of myopia (nearsightedness), especially in children and young adults • Sleep disturbances due to exposure to blue light before bedtime • Rarely, issues with the eye muscles or surrounding nerves 4. Prevention and Risk Reduction Strategies 1. The 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds 2. Adjust screen brightness and contrast to match surrounding light 3. Use artificial tears if eyes feel dry 4. Maintain a proper distance from the screen (approximately 50–70 cm) 5. Wear blue light-filtering glasses during prolonged use 6. Ensure regular eye examinations for early detection of problems Conclusion Modern technology and screens have become an integral part of daily life, but excessive use can significantly affect eye health. By following simple preventive strategies and undergoing regular eye check-ups, risks can be minimized, helping to preserve long-term vision health. University of Al-Mustaqbal – The First and Leading Private University