DIGITAL EYE STRAIN & YOU
These days, we spend more time in front of our screens. We work on a computer during the day, watch TV in the evenings—not to mention, we often have a cell phone in our hands and a smartwatch on our wrists.
On average, Canadians spend around 11 hours of their day on digital screens. The digital world is how we receive information, and it could be affecting our eyes.
When our eye doctors assess your eyes, we want to talk with you about your digital usage habits. Knowing this information can help us gauge other symptoms you may have, and we can help you come up with a strategy on how to manage any symptoms you might experience.
REDUCING THE STRAIN
We’re surrounded by screens, and sometimes we use multiple screens at one time. So, what can we do to reduce the effects of digital eye strain?
One simple trick you can try at home is called the 20-20-20 rule:
- After looking at your screen for 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
This allows your eyes to have a rest from focusing on your close-up digital screen. While you’re looking away, your eyes will adjust their focus on something in the distance, giving them a break from working so hard on close-up work.
Other ways to reduce the strain:
- Sit back from your computer screen, and keep it about 20 degrees below eye level
- Make sure the brightness of your screen matches your surroundings
- Reduce reflections by positioning your screen according to the light sources
- Keep your screen clean, so you can see it clearly
- Reduce movement by keeping your paperwork and monitor at roughly the same height
- Use blue-light blocking lenses, such as and our Relax lens
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
If you have concerns that you might have digital eye strain, you can talk to your eye doctor about it. We can assist in creating a treatment plan to help relieve any digital eye strain symptoms you may have. Find out how you can achieve more comfortable screen time by speaking with us.