Living in San Francisco means being surrounded by innovation, tech culture, and an endless sea of screens. Whether you're working at a startup in SoMa, coding at a coffee shop in the Mission, or just scrolling through your phone on BART, screen time is unavoidable. And with all that screen time comes a common yet frustrating problem—Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), also known as digital eye strain.

Why Is Digital Eye Strain So Common?

San Francisco is a city that thrives on technology and productivity. The fast-paced work culture and long hours in front of digital screens—whether in the office, at home, or even in co-working spaces—make eye strain a daily struggle for many.

Beyond the workday, our downtime often involves even more screens—binge-watching shows, gaming, or catching up on the latest tech news. The combination of high screen usage, exposure to artificial lighting, and even the Bay Area’s dry and windy climate creates the perfect storm for eye discomfort.

How the 20-20-20 Rule Can Help

The 20-20-20 rule is one of the simplest ways to give your eyes a much-needed break:

• Every 20 minutes

• Look at something 20 feet away

• For at least 20 seconds

This short pause helps relax your focusing muscles, allowing your eyes to reset and reducing the risk of digital strain. It’s easy to do and doesn’t disrupt your workflow—just set a reminder, use a screen break app, or simply look out the window (if you’re lucky enough to have one with a view of the Bay).

More Ways to Protect Your Eyes

While the 20-20-20 rule is a great start, it’s not the only thing you should be doing to keep your eyes healthy. Here are a few additional habits that can make a big difference:

• Blink More Often: Staring at screens reduces your blink rate, leading to dry, irritated eyes. Make a conscious effort to blink more, or consider using lubricating eye drops if dryness persists.

• Adjust Your Screen Settings: Increase text size, lower screen brightness, and use blue light filters to minimize strain. Many San Franciscans swear by blue light-blocking glasses, which can help, especially if you work late into the night.

• Improve Your Workspace: Position your monitor at eye level, keep it about an arm’s length away, and make sure you have good lighting to reduce glare. If you’re working from one of SF’s many co-working spaces, try to choose a seat with natural light rather than harsh overhead lighting.

• Take Breaks & Move Around: In a city full of amazing parks and scenic spots, there’s no excuse not to get up and move. Step away from your screen, take a short walk outside, and let your eyes focus on something other than a glowing rectangle.

• Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Even if you don’t have vision problems, regular eye exams are crucial for detecting issues before they become serious. Digital eye strain can sometimes be a sign of an underlying vision issue that an optometrist can catch early.

Protect Your Eyes and Stay Productive

San Francisco’s tech-driven lifestyle may make screen time unavoidable, but eye strain doesn’t have to be. Small adjustments—like following the 20-20-20 rule, blinking more, optimizing your workspace, and prioritizing eye care—can help you stay comfortable and productive.

At Eye Carumba Optometry, we specialize in keeping Bay Area professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs seeing clearly and comfortably. If you’re experiencing frequent eye strain, call (415) 360-6900 to schedule an eye exam and find the best solutions for your screen-heavy lifestyle.