When we use our phones, laptops, and other digital screens, our eyes work harder to maintain focus. Prolonged use can impact how our eyes feel and how effectively our vision works.
Anyone who uses digital devices can experience some level of digital eye strain. However, when vision problems and eye discomfort persist, digital eye strain can be a serious problem.
Eye discomfort isn’t normal, and you shouldn’t ignore it. If you experience symptoms affecting your vision or eyes, contact us for an appointment. Evaluating your eye health can help us diagnose the cause and recommend treatment to alleviate symptoms.
Screen time is increasing. Global internet use increased from 40% to 60% in 2020, and a study by Western University found screen time for children increased by 3.2 hours a day. It’s no surprise we spend hours staring at screens for work, school, communication, and more, but it can affect our vision and eye health.
Digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome, can aggravate pre-existing eye problems and can also affect vision in people with normally clear vision.
The condition can cause multiple symptoms, including:
Although digital eye strain symptoms are common, many of the symptoms can be caused by other eye conditions. It’s crucial to have an eye exam to confirm a diagnosis and rule out severe vision problems.
Treatment for digital eye strain can vary depending on your symptoms and unique eye care needs. However, there are some universal tips to help reduce your risk and prevent symptoms from worsening.
When looking at a digital screen, our eyes move more frequently, constantly refocusing on lines or sections of the screen. Screen flickers, glare, and contrast changes also require more effort to follow the rapidly changing visual information. Screens also encourage us to blink less, often resulting in dry eyes.
You can reduce your risk of digital eye strain by supporting your tear film, taking breaks, and helping your eyes work more efficiently during screen time.
Scheduling breaks is easier with a guideline. The 20-20-20 rule recommends taking a 20-second break for every 20 minutes of screen time to look at an object 20 feet away. Changing your eyes’ focus distance allows your eyes to relax completely.
Your screen should be positioned comfortably, approximately an arm’s length away and 20 degrees below eye level.
Your eyes need to work harder to see if the screen is too bright or dark, leading to eye strain. When possible, match screen brightness to your surroundings. Your screen isn’t a flashlight; it shouldn’t be lighting up the room!
On average, we blink 12 times per minute, but only 5 times when looking at a digital screen. Blinking less can increase discomfort and cause dry eye. Blink more frequently! If dry eye persists, consult with our optometrists about eye drops.
Your screen emits blue light, which can keep you awake! Although staying alert in the morning can be helpful, staring at your phone at bedtime can keep you up. A good night’s sleep is crucial for preventing dry, scratchy, or irritated eyes. Put your device in ‘night-time mode’ if you use screens in the evening.
You can also add a blue light filter to your glasses to help prevent eye strain when working long hours on the computer.
If your screen is covered in fingerprints, dust, and other particles, your eyes need to work harder to focus on the image underneath. Keep your screens clean to lighten your eyes’ workload.
Vision problems like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism can affect visual comfort while using digital screens. Your lens prescription may need updating, or your lens may not be the right type for the task. Some lenses are designed for computer work. Ask us about your lenses! We may recommend a more comfortable option.
Digital screens are here to stay. Whether you use your screen time for work or for fun, you can implement tips and treatments to prevent digital eye strain. Westmount Optometrists are here to support your eye health and help you find solutions appropriate for your lifestyle and vision needs.
Contact us today to prevent digital eye strain!
At the corner of Springbank Drive and Wonderland Road, our clinic offers plenty of parking out front.
The main difference between myopia and hyperopia is where light focuses in your eye. Myopia makes distant objects look blurry, while hyperopia makes close objects hard to see. […]
Read More… from Myopia vs. Hyperopia: What’s the Difference?
When your eyes are dry, they may have to work harder to maintain clear vision, which can create tension in the small muscles around your eyes and forehead and contribute to a headache […]
Retinal imaging can help detect a wide range of eye conditions and can even identify early signs of other health issues in your body. […]
Your eyes might feel dry because they don’t make enough tears, or the tears you do make evaporate too quickly. […]
OHIP provides coverage for eye exams based on your age and specific medical conditions you may have. […]
Yes, many people with dry eyes can wear contact lenses comfortably with the right strategy and lens choice. […]
Age-related macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss among Canadians over the age of 50, with more than 2.5 million people affected.
[…]
Read More… from How Common is Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Canada?
Your eyes and brain need time to adapt to your new lenses, and this adjustment period varies from person to person. Some lucky folks feel comfortable within a day or two, while others might need up to two weeks to fully settle in. […]
Read More… from How Long Does it Take to Adjust to New Eyeglasses?
Often better known as “transition lenses”, photochromic lenses are not your typical sunglasses. These lenses automatically adjust their lens tint based on UV light exposure, remaining clear indoors and becoming darker when exposed to sunlight, even on cloudy days.
[…]
These eyeglasses use specially designed lenses that cause light to focus on the eye in a way that slows myopia progression in children.
[…]
The key difference? Dry eyes are typically caused by poor tear production or when your tears evaporate too quickly, while eye allergies result from your immune system reacting to allergens like pollen or dust. The symptoms may overlap, but the causes—and treatments—are very different.
[…]
Read More… from Dry Eyes or Allergies: How to Identify the Cause of Your Eye Discomfort
One of the easiest ways to determine if your sunglasses are polarized is by using the reflection or screen test. […]
Read More… from How Do You Know if Sunglasses Are Polarized?
By determining your face shape—whether it’s oval, round, square, or another—you can select glasses that best suit your unique features, ensuring both a flattering fit and a boost in confidence. […]
Dry eye syndrome can be uncomfortable and disruptive to your eye health, affecting millions of people worldwide. Whether you’re dealing with persistent dryness, redness, or irritation, finding relief often starts with the right type of eye drops. These tiny bottles of liquid comfort can make a significant difference when chosen and used correctly. Types of […]
When considering laser eye surgery, one of the most common questions patients ask is about timing. How long it will take is a concern that may influence your decision, especially if you’re juggling work, family responsibilities, or other obligations. Fortunately, laser eye surgery, particularly LASIK, is a quick and efficient procedure designed to minimize disruption […]
Glaucoma, a complex eye condition, can lead to serious vision damage if left untreated. It’s a subtle, progressive condition that tends to develop without obvious warning signs. Regular eye examinations are key to catching conditions like glaucoma—they’re the easiest way to detect problems before they damage your vision. But what causes glaucoma in the first […]
Tears are such an integral part of your eye health that you may not think much about them until something feels off. Have you ever noticed your tears stinging your eyes, leaving you curious—and maybe a bit concerned—about why? While we often associate tears with emotion or keeping our eyes comfortably moist, there are several […]
Navigating a prescription can feel like reading a secret code. But whether you’re squinting at tiny text on a screen or admiring the vibrant colours of a sunset, we all treasure clear vision—so an accurate prescription is a must!
Contact lens prescriptions and glasses prescriptions are not the same. So whether you’re sticking with the cozy familiarity of your favourite pair of glasses or making the jump to the comfort offered by contact lenses, your optometrist can help you see the world clearly.
[…]
Read More… from Are Contact Lens Prescriptions & Glasses Prescriptions the Same?
For many, an eye exam is a routine check-up that can ensure eye health, but did you know it’s also a powerful tool for detecting diseases? Regular eye exams can reveal much more about your overall health than you might expect.
Today, we’ll explore the various conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, autoimmune disorder, neurological conditions, and cancer that can be identified during an eye exam, offering you peace of mind and a deeper understanding of your health.
[…]
Dry eye syndrome is a common and often chronic condition that affects millions of people around the world. While it might seem like a minor inconvenience, dry eye can lead to significant discomfort and even impact your vision. One of the symptoms that sufferers frequently report is blurry vision. But can dry eye cause blurry […]
Navigating the world of contact lenses can be overwhelming, with so many options available. From different styles and types to advanced lens designs, it’s easy to get lost. Your optometrist can be a valuable guide in this process, helping you find the perfect fit for your vision and lifestyle. One option to consider is rigid […]
The sun may be beautiful, but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. It’s essential to always protect your eyes from UV radiation to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear. But if you’ve ever thought about picking up a new pair of sunglasses, you’ve probably noticed words like “polarized” and “non-polarized.” What does this mean? […]
Regular eye examinations are essential for maintaining good vision health and detecting any potential problems early on. The frequency of your eye exams depends on several factors, including age, overall health, and any existing eye conditions. Here are some general guidelines to follow: Children should have their first comprehensive eye examination at 6 months of […]
Experiencing the discomfort of dry eyes can be more than just an irritation—it can significantly impact your quality of life. But what if the foods you eat could help you prevent and manage symptoms like stinging sensations? Now may be the time to book an eye exam and get personal advice on your eye nutrition. […]
How long eye strain lasts can vary in individuals. However, eye strain symptoms can subside after an hour when you stop the activity that caused it. Prolonged eye strain could indicate an underlying eye problem. […]
If you’re tired of wearing glasses and considering switching to contact lenses, or maybe you’re already a seasoned contact lens wearer and want to learn more about the fitting process, you’ve come to the right place. Contact lenses have revolutionized how we see and experience the world, providing a convenient and comfortable alternative to traditional […]
If you keep waking up with dry eyes, several underlying causes could exist. From sleeping habits to dry air, allergies, and eye strain, identifying the root cause of the problem is the first step to finding relief. […]
Yes, your eyes can get “sunburns” or, more accurately, “photokeratitis,” but there are certain signs and symptoms to watch out for so you can protect your vision. […]
Eye exams generally don’t take too much out of your day, usually about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your needs for diagnosing and managing eye issues […]
There are some instances where this mode could help lower your risk of straining your eyes. However, it can also do the opposite, so it’s important to know when to use it. […]
To prevent dry eye with contact lenses, you need the right contact lens type, replacement schedule, contact solution, and home habits to keep your eyes hydrated during prolonged wear. […]
Sunglasses aren’t only a stylish accessory, but they’re also crucial to protecting your eyes from harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays. […]
Eye drops are often one of the first treatments or solutions recommended for many common eye problems–including allergies, infections, and dry eye. Rewetting eye drops can also significantly benefit patients wearing contact lenses. But when your eyes are irritated, or you have a heightened blink reflex, it can be challenging to put in your own […]
If you’re suddenly dealing with an eye problem like dry eyes, you’ll likely do everything possible to ease the discomfort. But when your eyes are working properly, it can be easy to ignore them. And without any troubling symptoms, how easy is it to think about skipping your next comprehensive eye examination? Unfortunately, there’s much […]
Many people who require vision correction choose to wear contact lenses. This choice may be because they find them more comfortable, want a wider range of clear vision, or prefer the aesthetics going frameless grants them. If you’re one of those who decided to go with contact lenses, you may already know the basics. Your […]
Dry eye symptoms can make your eyes feel tired, irritated, and uncomfortable. Much like a runny nose or plugged ears, dry eye can feel impossible to ignore. Except dry eye doesn’t resolve quite as easily as we’d like. Dry eye can be frustrating to deal with, but there are many treatments available to help alleviate […]
Read More… from 6 Reasons Why Scleral Lenses Can Solve Your Dry Eye Syndrome
Polarized sunglasses are a popular choice for anyone who loves the outdoors. These special lenses reduce glare while keeping your vision clear. These sunglasses are usually on the more expensive side, especially if you get prescription lenses. Taking proper care of your polarized lenses will help keep them working properly for years to come. What […]
As sunny seasons approach, you might be asking yourself, “do I need prescription sunglasses?” If you normally require prescription eyewear, the answer is yes. We’re going to explore why this is important and how prescription sunglasses can help you achieve a better lifestyle. The first step in finding sunglasses that help you see better and […]
