Online lessons have become a regular part of teaching and tutoring for many people. Staring at a screen for long periods, switching between documents, and reading small text on video calls can leave the eyes feeling tired, dry, or uncomfortable. Eye strain, sometimes called digital eye strain, is a common experience rather than a rare problem. This article offers general information on simple ways to reduce discomfort during screen-based lessons, including changes to your setup, habits during the day, and signs that suggest a visit to an eye care professional.
Understand Why Screens Tire the Eyes
Screens require the eyes to focus and refocus on pixels, and people often blink less when concentrating on a display. The result can be dryness, a burning feeling, or blurred vision that clears after a few moments. Many people also find that their posture changes when they focus intently on a display, which can add to tiredness around the eyes and neck. Glare from windows or overhead lights can add to the effort, and small text on video calls can make the eyes work harder than they would during an in-person lesson. Understanding these causes helps you choose changes that actually address the problem rather than guessing at solutions.
Adjust Your Screen and Lighting
Position the screen so that the top edge sits at or slightly below eye level, and place it roughly an arm’s length away. Adjust the brightness so that the screen does not look like a light source in a dark room, and increase text size where it helps. Avoid placing the screen directly in front of a bright window, because the contrast can be tiring. Soft, even lighting behind or beside the screen usually feels more comfortable than harsh overhead light. Readers may also want to visit Fact City.
A short set of setup checks can help:
1. Keep the screen clean, since smudges make text harder to read.
2. Reduce unnecessary tabs and notifications that pull attention away.
3. Use a larger font for video call captions or shared documents.
4. Check that the camera angle does not force you to lean forward.
Build Breaks Into the Lesson
The most useful habit is to look away from the screen at regular intervals. A common approach is to look at something several metres away for a short time, then return to the screen. You can also blink slowly and fully a few times during each break, which helps refresh the surface of the eyes. During a lesson, consider brief pauses where students work on a task independently, giving you a moment to rest your eyes and reset your posture. Many tutors find that short breaks between sessions make the afternoon feel far more manageable.
Blinking deserves a special mention. When people concentrate on a screen, they often blink much less than usual, and the surface of the eyes can dry out without them noticing. Try a conscious slow blink every few minutes, especially during long reading or writing tasks. If your eyes feel gritty despite these habits, mention it to a pharmacist or eye care professional, who can recommend suitable options. Avoid using eye drops that have not been checked for your situation, and read the label carefully before using anything new.
Hydration and air quality also matter. A dry room can make eye discomfort worse, so keep water nearby and consider a humidifier if the room becomes very dry during the heating season. Avoid sitting directly in a draught from a fan or air vent, since moving air can dry the eyes quickly.
Recognise When to See a Professional
Most screen-related discomfort improves with simple changes, but some symptoms need attention. Persistent eye pain, sudden changes in vision, seeing flashes or floating spots, double vision, or eye injuries require prompt medical advice. Ongoing headaches that appear when you work at a screen, or a need for frequent changes in glasses, are also worth discussing with an optometrist or doctor. A professional can check whether you need corrective lenses, whether your prescription is up to date, or whether another condition may be contributing to your symptoms.
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, follow the advice given by your eye care provider, including guidance on wear times and cleaning. Do not share lenses or use products that have not been recommended for your eyes. Keeping a note of symptoms, including when they start and what seems to help, can make a clinic visit more productive.
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Finally, remember that small changes repeated every day can make screen work feel far more comfortable. Adjust the setup, take regular breaks, and listen to what your eyes are telling you. If discomfort persists, a qualified professional is the right person to ask, and getting checked early often brings reassurance and practical solutions.