Digital Eye Strain Test

What it measures

This self-check looks at digital eye strain, also called computer vision syndrome (CVS): the cluster of eye and vision symptoms many people notice during or after long stretches on screens. It is adapted from the CVS-Q, a validated 16-symptom questionnaire, and covers feelings like burning, dryness, itching, watering, blurred or double vision, light sensitivity, difficulty focusing up close, and headaches. It gives you a single strain score and a plain-language band, not a diagnosis.

How it works

You rate how often you have noticed each of 16 common eye symptoms over the past week of screen use, on a simple scale from Never to Always. Each answer scores 0 to 3, and we add them up. A higher total means more frequent, more varied symptoms. We then place your total into one of three bands - minimal, moderate (possible CVS) or marked strain - and give tailored next steps. The whole thing takes about three minutes.

Tips for an accurate result

• 1Follow the 20-20-20 rule — Every 20 minutes, look at something roughly 20 feet (6 metres) away for 20 seconds to relax your focusing muscles.
• 2Mind your setup — Keep the screen about an arm's length away and slightly below eye level, and cut glare from windows and overhead lights.
• 3Blink and hydrate — We blink less when staring at screens. Blink fully and often, and consider lubricating drops if your eyes feel dry.
• 4Get the right prescription — Uncorrected long-sightedness, astigmatism or an out-of-date prescription can drive strain - an eye exam can rule these out.