Don’t Let Digital Eye Strain Get You Down
Many of us work in front of a computer, and then, to wind down from the workday, we head to another screen to stream a favourite TV show. All this screen time takes a toll on our eyes.
After prolonged exposure to digital screens, you may start to notice symptoms of digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, including sore eyes and headaches.
Visit your optometrist for an eye exam so they can rule out other serious eye conditions and provide guidance on how to deal with your digital eye strain.
Common Symptoms of Poor Screen Time Habits
Digital eye strain can manifest in several ways. You’ve probably experienced some of the following digital eye strain symptoms if you endure a lot of screen time:
- Sore, tired eyes
- Burning or irritated eyes
- Watery or dry eyes
- Blurred or double vision
- Headache, neck pain, shoulder or back pain
- Increased light sensitivity
- Trouble focusing
- Heavy eyelids
What Causes Digital Eye Strain?
Digital eye strain is caused by extended time spent using digital screens, like computers, tablets, laptops, and smartphones. When we look at words on a screen, they’re not as sharp as on paper, so our eyes have to work harder to focus.
Certain risk factors exacerbate digital eye strain, including:
- Daily use of digital screens
- Screen glare, reflections, or poor lighting
- Undiagnosed vision issues
- Incorrect prescription
- Ergonomically poor viewing distance or angle
- Poor posture while viewing digital screens
Can Digital Eye Strain Be Treated?
Fortunately, there are simple ways to alleviate your digital eye strain. Try some of these at-home or in-office solutions to find relief from digital eye strain:
- Position your screen directly in front of you, 50 to 65 centimetres (20 to 26 inches) away from your eyes and slightly below eye level
- Increase the text size on your screen so you can read it comfortably
- Reduce the amount of surrounding light and adjust the brightness of your device screen to reduce glare and harsh reflections
- Hold your handheld devices a safe distance from your eyes, just below eye level
- Blink often to refresh and moisten your eyes
- Rest your eyes with the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet (6 metres) in front of you for 20 seconds
- Specialty lenses and coatings specifically designed to alleviate eye strain (ask us during your visit for recommendations)
Neurolens for Digital Eye Strain
Spending hours each day on computers, phones, and tablets can place significant demands on your visual system. Digital eye strain can lead to symptoms such as tired eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and discomfort during or after screen use. Some people also experience neck and shoulder tension after long periods of reading or working on digital devices.
While healthy screen habits can help, some patients have an underlying eye alignment issue that may benefit from Neurolens, an innovative lens technology designed to improve visual comfort.
When Eye Alignment Is Contributing
For some patients, digital eye strain is related to a small eye misalignment that makes the eyes work harder to maintain clear, single vision. Even subtle alignment issues can increase the effort required to focus on near tasks, potentially contributing to headaches, eye fatigue, and muscle tension over time.
How Neurolens May Help
Neurolens lenses are designed to help address eye misalignment using a contoured prism that gently aligns your eyes more comfortably. By reducing the amount of effort your visual system needs to maintain focus, Neurolens may help relieve symptoms associated with prolonged screen use.
Patients who may benefit from Neurolens often experience:
- Headaches during or after screen use
- Tired, sore, or fatigued eyes
- Neck and shoulder discomfort
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dry or irritated eyes
- Discomfort while reading or working on a computer
Watch this video on how the contoured prism design can make a difference.
Find Out If Neurolens Is Right for You
If digital eye strain is affecting your comfort, productivity, or quality of life, we can perform a quick, noninvasive assessment to determine whether eye misalignment may be contributing to your symptoms. By measuring how your eyes work together at both near and far distances, we can determine whether Neurolens is an appropriate solution for your visual needs.
If you’re experiencing persistent digital eye strain, schedule an appointment with our team to learn whether Neurolens can help you see and feel more comfortably throughout your day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neurolens
How is Neurolens different from regular prescription glasses?
Neurolens lenses do more than correct your vision. They incorporate a specialized contoured prism that is designed to help align your eyes more comfortably, reducing the visual effort that can contribute to digital eye strain, headaches, and neck discomfort.
Who is a good candidate for Neurolens?
Neurolens may be recommended for patients who experience symptoms such as headaches, tired eyes, blurred vision, dry eyes, or neck and shoulder tension, especially after extended screen use. During your exam, we’ll determine whether eye misalignment may be contributing to your symptoms.
How do I know if eye misalignment is causing my symptoms?
A quick, noninvasive assessment can measure how your eyes work together at both near and far distances. This evaluation helps determine whether eye misalignment may be contributing to your discomfort and whether Neurolens is an appropriate solution.
Can Neurolens help with headaches caused by screen use?
For some patients, headaches are linked to the extra effort required to compensate for subtle eye misalignment. If this is contributing to your symptoms, Neurolens may help reduce visual strain and improve comfort during daily activities.
Can I wear Neurolens all day?
Yes. Neurolens lenses are designed for everyday wear and can be incorporated into your regular prescription glasses. We’ll recommend the best lens option based on your visual needs and lifestyle.
Do I need an eye exam to get Neurolens?
Yes. A comprehensive eye exam and Neurolens assessment allow us to evaluate your vision, measure eye alignment, and determine whether Neurolens is the right option for you. If it is, we’ll create lenses that are customized to your measurements.
Find Comfort to Alleviate Digital Eye Strain
When eye strain starts to feel like your new normal, we can help you discover comfort again. If you think you may be struggling with digital eye strain, dry eye, or any form of viewing discomfort, visit us for an official diagnosis, and we can discuss the best course of action to take.
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Our office can be found off of Major MacKenzie Drive West in the same plaza as the Medical Centre and Tim Hortons. The location of our office is 965 Major Mackenzie Dr. West, Units 3 & 4.
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- 965 Major Mackenzie Dr. West, Units 3 & 4
- Vaughan, ON L6A 4P8
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- Phone: 289-553-EYES (3937)
- Fax: 289-553-3939
*Friday by appointment only.
**We are closed on the Saturdays of long weekends and holidays.
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- 965 Major Mackenzie Dr. West, Units 3 & 4
- Vaughan, ON L6A 4P8
- Phone: 289-553-EYES (3937)
- Fax: 289-553-3939
