Keeping Your Eyes Fresh

Some of the workforce has to use a computer screen for work. And like many, they still use social media or digital entertainment once office hours are up. If you fit this description, your eyes could be overworked. Please book an appointment to learn how your eyes are responding to your daily screen time.

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Understanding Digital Eye Strain

Sitting and working on a computer with poor technique and posture can cause repetitive stress to your eyes and body, leading to digital eye strain.When it comes to lifting boxes, ergonomics—the art of keeping your body in the right working positions—and rest becomes vital. Your eyes are no different. Digital eye strain is a form of repetitive stress on your eyes.

Digital Eye Strain

Your eye is connected to several critical muscles that strain to focus whenever you’re concentrating. You might get used to having them tense, but the effect builds up.

Extended computer and digital device use makes your eyes work harder than they’re used to. Device use causes extra stress on your eyes because we tend to:

Blink less when looking at a screen.
Use screens at less than ideal angles.
Use devices with glare or reflection.
Use screens with poor contrast and brightness.

Symptoms

Your eyes contain many sensitive parts, just like high-tech imaging technology. When one part of the machine is struggling, other components can suffer. If your eye muscles are struggling, it can result in several symptoms:

Neck pain
Dry Eyes
Back pain
Difficulty focusing
Drooping eyelids
Excessive tearing
Blurry vision
Double vision
Sensitivity to light
Burning or itching eyes
Headaches

The Causes of Digital Eye Strain

Focusing Intently

Digital eye strain comes down to the stress caused by concentrating on one spot for too long. Working with a digital screen involves close reading, searching through buttons and text, and squinting at fine details. These habits culminate in repetitive stress on ocular muscles and your iris.

Working Around Digital Eye Strain

Like the rest of your body and mind, your eye muscles benefit from the relaxation sleep provides.

When repetitive stress of eye strain and disrupted sleep work together, you may suffer significant eye discomfort. Try using the night or dark mode on your smartphone to combat this, especially in the evening.

For even more protection, ask us about blue-light filtering lens coatings on our custom lenses!

Use Eye Relaxation Techniques & Good Ergonomics

Adopting proper workplace ergonomics while working on a computer can help ease the effects of digital eye strain. When you look at a screen for an extended period, rest it at a 45-degree angle down from eye level. Keep your head straight, not opening your eyes too wide.

Many optometrists recommend the 20-20-20 rule. Whether you’re working intently on a computer or smartphone, every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

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