What Causes Digital Eye Strain?
Many people experience eye discomfort and vision problems when viewing digital screens for extended periods. On average, we blink 15-20 times per minute. Blinking is a critical component of keeping your eyes properly lubricated to maintain comfort and prevent your eyes from becoming dry and irritated. When we are looking at screens, we are blinking half as often and therefore our eyes are not getting enough lubrication. Also, the contrast of text against the background, screen glare, and flickering light can cause even more eye discomfort.
How To Prevent Digital Eye Strain
One of the best ways to prevent digital eye strain as well as many other vision and eye health problems is to visit your Calgary optometrist regularly for a comprehensive eye exam. During your eye exam, be sure to let your optometrist know how often you use computers and digital devices at work and at home. If your eye doctor determines that your screen time is causing digital eye strain, they may prescribe certain lenses or eye drops to help reduce discomfort caused by using screens.
Minimize Glare
Glare from reflecting light off of your screens can cause digital eye strain. To minimize glare caused by your screens, ensure you are using your devices in dimmer lighting and consider installing an anti-glare screen on your computer. If you already wear glasses, you can purchase lenses with anti-reflective coating. Anti-reflective coating reduces glare by minimizing the amount of light reflecting off the front and back surfaces of your eyeglass lenses.
Take Frequent Breaks
To reduce the risk of fatiguing your eyes from constantly focusing on a screen, follow the 20-20-20 rule. Look away from your computer screen at least every 20 minutes and gaze at an object 20 feet away from you for at least 20 seconds. Looking to a far distance relaxes the focussing muscle inside of your eye and reduces fatigue. Remember to blink frequently during this exercise to ensure your eye is adequately lubricated as well.
Adjust Your Computer Display Settings
Adjusting the brightness of your computer screen to approximately the same brightness as your surrounding workstation will help prevent glare on your screen. You can also adjust your text size and contrast which is especially helpful for your eyes if you are constantly reading long documents or emails during the day. These adjustments will make it easier for your eyes to focus on the screen without tiring out too quickly or causing headaches.
Calgary’s Most Trusted Eye Doctors At Sunridge Eye Clinic
The extent to which you might experience digital eye strain will depend on how much screen time you use as well as how often. Many of the symptoms of digital eye strain will decline after stopping screen use, but if the symptoms persist, book an appointment with your eye doctor to receive an adult eye exam. Children nowadays have access to many electronic devices such as tablets and phones and can also suffer from digital eye strain. Children may not always recognize or relay their symptoms so it is important that you book your child for a children's eye exam regularly to ensure their vision is developing correctly.
If you are experiencing consistent headaches, eye fatigue, or a sore neck and shoulders from screen use, book an appointment with our experienced optometrists at Sunridge Eye Clinic. Our team of optometrists will be able to help reduce your symptoms so you can get back to work or resume daily tasks without feeling any discomfort. Book your comprehensive eye exam today by calling 1-403-280-7518 or book online.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between an adult eye exam and a senior eye exam?
A: After the age of 65, you are more prone to vision problems and concerns for eye health problems increase. During a senior eye exam, your optometrist will perform certain tests to check for issues such as macular degeneration or cataracts. These problems will be tested during an adult eye exam, however, they will be more focussed on during a senior eye exam. Senior eye exams are also recomended annually whereas adult eye exams are only required bi-annually.
Q: How long does an eye exam take?
A: A comprehensive eye exam for adults and children can take up to an hour depending on how many tests your optometrist performs.
Q: What are the symptoms of digital eye strain?
A: Symptoms of digital eye strain include headaches, eye fatigue, sore neck and shoulders, and blurry vision. If you are experiencing these symptoms, book an eye exam with your Calgary optometrist to help reduce your discomfort.
