In a world where we are increasingly reliant on digital devices for work, school, or entertainment, digital eye strain has become a common issue affecting both children and adults. In this blog, Optometrists’ Clinic Inc explores how excessive screen time can affect your vision, as well as ways in which digital eye strain can be treated.
What Is Digital Eye Strain?
Also known as computer vision syndrome, digital eye strain is a temporary condition caused by prolonged exposure to screens and digital devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. It can cause eye fatigue, which is often characterized by tired or burning eyes. It can also cause eye dryness and irritation, which can also lead to blurry vision. Adults and children who suffer from digital eye strain may also have difficulty focusing on close-up objects. Additionally, digital eye strain is often accompanied by headaches in the forehead or temples.
How Screen Time Affects Your Vision
Excessive screen usage is the main cause of digital eye strain. Here are some of the most common ways in which too much screen time can affect your vision:
Exposure to blue light – Many screens and digital devices emit blue light. When exposed to blue light for prolonged periods of time, you may experience disruptions in your sleep patterns.
Prolonged focus on screens – You may experience eye fatigue and blurry vision if you focus on screens for long periods of time. This is because prolonged focus on digital devices can strain the eye muscles and make it difficult for them to relax.
Screen glare – Glare caused by reflections on the surface of screens can make vision less comfortable, thus increasing your risk of suffering from digital eye strain.
Blinking less – You may find that you blink less often while staring at a screen. Reduced blinking can cause eye dryness, as well as irritation.
How to Treat Digital Eye Strain
Here are several tips that you can follow to alleviate the symptoms of your digital eye strain:
Use ambient lighting in your workspace.
Keep your digital devices at least an arm's length away.
Remember to blink frequently to avoid dry eyes.
To lubricate your eyes further, you may use over-the-counter eye drops.
Apply the 20-20-20 rule, which consists of looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
Protect your eyes from screen glare using an anti-glare screen protector.
To avoid disruptions to your sleep cycle caused by blue light, remember to switch off your devices at least an hour before bedtime.
Consider getting computer glasses designed to filter out blue light.
Remember to schedule annual eye exams to monitor your eye health properly.
Comprehensive Treatment for Digital Eye Strain
Are you suffering from symptoms of digital eye strain? Book an appointment with Optometrists Clinic Inc today at one of our clinics in Edmonton, Leduc and Westlock! Our eye doctors will thoroughly examine your eyes to determine the source of the issue. From prescribing the right eye drops to treat dryness and irritation to fitting you with blue light glasses to alleviate your eye strain, our doctors will then recommend the best solutions for your comfort. If needed, we may also recommend additional vision therapy to further support your treatment.