Unplug the Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain
If you spend much of your day in front of a screen, it can seem like tired eyes, a sore neck, and headaches are inevitable. In fact, these may all be signs of digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome.
In a comprehensive exam, we can provide an assessment of your vision health, issue a new prescription if necessary, and suggest changing your workspace to help you find relief from these symptoms.
What Is Digital Eye Strain?
Spending long hours at a computer or other digital screen makes your eyes work harder. In fact, people who spend just 2 hours a day using a screen are at risk of developing digital eye strain.
You might be feeling the pain of digital eye strain if you’ve experienced these symptoms during or after screen time:
- Eye irritation
- Headaches
- Double vision or blurred vision
- Excessive tearing
- Dry eyes
- Excessive blinking
- Eye pain
- Neck and shoulder pain
Relief for Digital Eye Strain
The good news is we can help you find relief from digital eye strain symptoms and recommend simple changes to your workspace and work habits.
Most importantly, we’ll perform a comprehensive eye exam to discover any eye issues that may compound your symptoms. The exam can include noting medication you’re taking, general health concerns, and assessing how your eyes work together.
We’ll also test your vision. An outdated prescription or the wrong lenses for working at a computer can both contribute to digital eye strain.
Optimize Your Workspace
The way your office is set up could make your symptoms worse. Make the following adjustments for a more ergonomic workspace:
- Place your monitor just below eye level, about an arm’s length away from you
- Minimize glare on your screen by adjusting lighting, so it isn’t too bright or by using an anti-glare coating on your screen
- Match your screen’s brightness to the brightness of your surroundings
Blinks & Breaks
When we’re working at a computer, we tend to blink far less than normal. That means more time for tears to evaporate, leaving you with irritated, dry eyes. Try to remember to blink regularly while you work.
Also, keep in mind the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at an object about 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a well-earned rest from the screen.
Blue Light Blocking Lenses & Glasses
Blue light blocking glasses can help protect your eyes from the damaging effects of the blue light emitted from digital devices. Since technology has become significant in our lives, it’s likely we can’t avoid blue light altogether. To help reduce the digital eye strain associated with blue light, it’s recommended to either use blue light blocking glasses or have lens coatings on your glasses.
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Our Address
- 1215 Sumas Way, Unit 200
- Abbotsford, BC V2S 8H2
Contact Us
- Phone: 604.859.9225
- Email: [email protected]
Clinic Hours
- Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:15 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
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Chilliwack
- 8-45540 Market Way
- Chilliwack, BC V2R 0M5
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P: 604.846.3130
[email protected]
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Abbotsford
- 1215 Sumas Way, Unit 200
- Abbotsford, BC V2S 8H2
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P: 604.859.9225
[email protected]