Protection in a Digital Landscape

Digital eye strain is more common than ever due to poor usage habits regarding digital devices. Although studies have shown that the blue light emitted from digital devices has minimal negative effects on the eyes, the way we use these devices can be detrimental.

Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain

Digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome, can create significantly noticeable discomfort and fatigue in the eyes, head, neck, and shoulders. Typically, symptoms of digital eye strain include:

Sore, tired eyes that burn or itch

Dry, gritty feeling in the eyes

Overly watery eyes

Blurred, distorted vision

Headache

Sore neck, shoulders, or upper back muscles

Increased sensitivity to light

Difficulty focusing

Inability to keep the eyes open

Things to Keep in Mind

When using your phone, computer, or tablet, you are focusing on a screen for hours at a time. Being aware of your workspace and positioning can help to reduce the effects of digital eye strain. Additionally, your habits and overall eye health can play a significant role in exacerbating digital eye strain symptoms.

How many hours a day you work on a computer

The setup of your workstation or desk

The location and lighting of your workstation

Your main tasks or what a typical day looks like

Your body positioning

We’ll also perform a comprehensive eye exam to evaluate your visual acuity. Undiagnosed refractive errors often cause your eyes to work harder than they need to, creating added stress when focusing on digital screens for extended periods.

Tips & Tricks

If you work at a job that heavily relies on the use of digital devices, we’ve gathered some helpful tips for reducing discomfort and stress.

Positioning

If you’re sitting at a desk, your body positioning may be creating discomfort and sore muscles. The screen you’re working on should be around an arm’s length away from your eyes and about 20 degrees below eye level.

Your feet should be flat on the ground with your arms comfortably able to rest on the desk in front of you with elbows bent. Sitting in a chair with a back helps remind you to sit up straight.

Keep it Clean & Easy to See

If you have the option, set the colour and contrast tones of your screen to match your surroundings. Additionally, set your monitor at an angle to avoid glare from windows or overhead lights.

Wiping your screen free of dust and fingerprints also helps to avoid difficulty focusing on the images on-screen.

Use the 20-20-20 Rule

It’s essential to give your eyes a break in the same way you would stretch your legs after sitting for a prolonged period of time. Every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds to focus on something 20 feet away. The 20-20-20 rule gives your eyes a chance to stretch and refocus before returning to work.

We’d be happy to evaluate your eyesight and ensure you’re doing everything you can to avoid digital eye strain. Please give us a call if you have any questions!

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