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)
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
Contact Information
- 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
