In a world where screens dominate our daily lives, digital eye strain has become an all-too-common issue. From working long hours on the computer to scrolling through social media on smartphones, our eyes are constantly under stress. Glasses aren’t a one-size-fits-all answer, but they can often help with your tired eyes.
Seeking advice from your eye doctor if you’re experiencing persistent digital eye strain symptoms is essential. There could be underlying eye conditions at work that need specific attention. Your eye doctor can offer tailored advice and treatment after they examine your eyes.
What Causes Tired Eyes?
Tired eyes are often the result of prolonged screen time, inadequate lighting conditions, and poor posture. Additionally, blinking less frequently while staring at screens can lead to dryness and irritation. All these things combine to form what is commonly known as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome.
Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain
Digital eye strain can manifest through a variety of symptoms. These can include:
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Dry eyes
- Watery eyes
- Red, irritated eyes
- Double vision
- Difficulty focusing
- Neck and shoulder pain
Recognizing these symptoms early can help you take steps to alleviate them before they escalate into more severe issues.
Tips for Relieving Eye Strain
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer for relieving eye strain. Ultimately, the right path depends on the causes of your eye strain. For example, the solution may be as simple as changing how your computer monitor sits, or maybe you just need an updated eyeglasses prescription.
Updated Prescription
An individual’s eyeglasses prescription can change over time. If your vision changes and you don’t have your prescription updated by your eye doctor, this could lead to an increased risk of straining your eyes while working on your computer.
Adjusting Workspace Ergonomics for Eye Health
Proper workspace ergonomics can significantly improve eye comfort. Ensure your screen is at eye level and about an arm’s length away. Adjust lighting to reduce glare, and consider using a document holder to minimize head and eye movements.
The 20-20-20 Rule
The 20-20-20 rule is a game-changer for those who spend long hours in front of screens. Every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds to look at something 20 feet away. Periodically looking away from your screen and focusing on something distant gives your eyes a chance to relax. This simple practice can dramatically reduce the risk of developing digital eye strain.
Glasses Designed that Can Help Reduce Digital Eye Strain
Computer glasses with anti-reflective coatings and prescription glasses tailored for screen use are 2 examples of glasses that can help reduce eye strain. Anti-reflective coatings on computer glasses minimize reflections and glare, making focusing easier.
Prescription glasses for screen use can be customized to your specific needs to support your vision and comfort. While these glasses can significantly reduce symptoms of digital eye strain, they are not a cure-all. Their effectiveness varies from person to person, and they work best when combined with the eye care practices we detailed above.
Importance of Regular Eye Exams
Eye exams aren’t just for when something goes wrong with your eyes, or when you’ve got blurry vision.
Professional Eye Care
Regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining good eye health and preventing digital eye strain. An eye care professional can identify any underlying issues and provide personalized recommendations to help you manage and reduce eye strain effectively.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends that most people get a comprehensive eye exam every 1–2 years, depending on age and other health factors. But this is a general recommendation. You should always follow your eye doctor’s recommendations, as they’re more familiar with your circumstances.
Early Detection
Early detection of eye problems can prevent more serious issues down the line. By visiting your eye doctor regularly, you can catch potential problems early and take steps to address them before they become more severe.
Personalized Solutions
Your eye care professional can offer personalized solutions tailored to your specific needs. They might recommend special lenses, screen settings, or ergonomics adjustments to help you reduce digital eye strain and maintain optimal eye health.
Talk to Your Eye Doctor About Your Strained Eyes
Taking care of our eyes has never been more important in this digital age. Specialized glasses, regular eye breaks, and proper workspace ergonomics are all effective strategies for combating digital eye strain.
By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the discomfort caused by digital eye strain and enjoy a more comfortable and productive screen time experience.
However, it’s always best to seek professional advice tailored to your specific needs, especially if you’re experiencing persistent symptoms or they’re returning often. There could be more at work than simply spending too much time using a computer.
Call our team at Dr. Chris Schell O.P.C. today to book an exam. Dr. Schell can examine your eyes, discuss your symptoms, and help you come up with a plan to keep your eyes feeling fresh and rested all day.
