Man taking off eyeglasses suffering eyestrain

Can Watching TV Strain My Eyes?

Watching too much TV with the wrong setup can strain your eyes. Common eye strain symptoms are:

  • Sore, Itchy, Dry Eyes
  • Eyes Feel Tired
  • Watery Eyes
  • Double or Blurred Vision
  • Headache/Pain Above the Eyes
  • Sore/Stiff Shoulders, Back, or Neck
  • Light Sensitivity
  • Unable to Fully Open Your Eyes

Man taking off eyeglasses suffering eyestrain

You can often relieve the symptoms by taking a warm cloth and placing it over the eyes for about 10 minutes. Afterward, apply eye drops to both eyes, and your symptoms should start to alleviate. If not, then you should see an eye doctor.

How to Prevent Eye Strain

There are things you can do to help prevent eye strain by using these tips:

1. Turn on the lights.

Make sure there are a few lights turned on in the room when watching TV.

2. Reduce glare on the TV screen.

Close blinds or move the TV so there is no glare on the screen.

3. Upgrade to a larger screen.

Larger screens help reduce strain on the eyes. If you cannot upgrade to a larger screen, move the TV closer, but not too close.

4. Place the TV at the proper distance.

VOD service screen with remote control in hand

For screens 48 inches and smaller, place the TV four to six feet away. For screens greater than 48 inches, place the TV seven to ten feet away.

5. Take a break.

Get up and take a 15-minute break every hour.

By watching for symptoms of eye strain and using our tips to prevent eye strain, you won’t have to worry when binge-watching your favorite programs.

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