Eye Discomfort & Fatigue: Symptoms of a Modern Age
Did you know that the average Canadian spends nearly 11 hours a day looking at a digital device? From smartphones to tablets to TVs, these devices lead to eye fatigue and discomfort known as digital eye strain.
Despite the name, digital eye strain isn’t actually caused by the devices themselves. Instead, eye strain, whether digitally related or not, is caused by intense eye use. Some of the most common causes of eye strain include reading, writing, driving, and, of course, using digital devices.
Digital screens exacerbate eye strain because people tend to:
- Blink less while using computers.
- Use less than ideal posture & angles when on computers.
- Use screens with glare or reflection.
- Use devices with low contrast between text & background.
Digital eye strain symptoms can also be intensified by uncorrected eye problems like eye misalignment or refractive errors.
We can help alleviate the symptoms of digital eye strain.
What Can You Do to Prevent Digital Eye Strain?
There are a few easy changes you can make to your daily routines to reduce the strain on your eyes while using digital devices:
Some optometrists recommend using the 20-20-20 rule to give your eyes a much-needed break. Every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
The Resting Point of Accommodation (RPA) is the distance from an object that your eyes need to focus comfortably. 15 to 27 inches is usually sufficient to provide comfort for most users.
Computer glasses are specifically designed to assist your eyes with viewing content on screens. These glasses also come with anti-reflective (AR) coating to reduce the glare on digital screens.
Other task-specific glasses are available to help your eyes focus at varying distances, like playing the piano or shooting. Please ask our doctors or staff about specialty glasses when you visit our clinic.
We recommend heavy computer users undergo regular eye exams, including children. Eye exams will uncover underlying eye problems that exacerbate digital eye strain.
Minimize glare by dimming the lights in your office, if possible. Excessively bright light exacerbates digital eye strain.
Position your computer screen away from bright light sources, such as windows. Reflections on digital screens can contribute to eye strain. Remember to regularly clean your screen with a monitor-safe cloth to remove dust and smudges.
Adjust your colour and contrast tones to suit your eyes and surroundings. If you catch yourself squinting at your screen by day’s end, consider increasing the font size for improved visibility and comfort.
Should You Worry About Digital Eye Strain?
Fortunately, digital eye strain doesn’t commonly lead to long-term consequences. However, when it comes to your overall eye health, it’s important to be proactive. If you’re experiencing digital eye strain symptoms, we recommend making the necessary changes to reduce demand on your eyes. Then call us to book an eye exam to rule out underlying problems.
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Find us on the corner of Main & 52nd Street, across from Westline Autowash.
- 5201 50 Avenue
- Bonnyville, AB T9N 2G6
- Phone: 780-826-4437
- Fax: 780-826-4267
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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You can find us on 51st Avenue, next to the Fire Hall.
- 4916 51 Avenue
- St. Paul, AB T0A 3A0
- Phone: 780-645-3790
- Fax: 780-645-2830
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
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