Call Us Now: (765) 742-1955
Blog Layout
Digital Eye Strain: What You Need to Know
Whether you like it or not, we live in an age where technology impacts every aspect of our lives.
You probably start off every morning by turning off your digital alarm clock or snoozing your phone alarm. You might work in an industry that requires you to work on a computer or tablet for the majority of the day. You also probably spend a considerable amount of your free time staring at a screen for entertainment purposes—such as social media, movies, and online shopping.
But what impact does all of this increased screen time have on your health?
Staring at a screen for more than two hours at a time can result in digital eye strain, which is the term used to describe a wide range of unpleasant symptoms that are a consequence of fatigued eye muscles. If you’re a part of the 83 percent of Americans
who spend more than two hours looking at a screen every day, chances are you have experienced some discomfort stemming from digital eye strain at some point in your life.
It’s important to understand how digital eye strain could impact your daily life and to be aware of the ways you can prevent it.
How does digital eye strain affect me?
Before you start to panic, straining your eyes by staring at a screen for hours on end hasn’t been linked to permanent eye damage. However, it will result in an array of uncomfortable symptoms that will make everyday tasks seem more challenging.
Some of the most common symptoms of digital eye strain include:
- Dry eye
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Neck and shoulder pain
For many people, these symptoms can also hinder their focus on the task they’re trying to accomplish or completely halt all productivity. In short, these symptoms prevent you from being at the top of your game, so it’s important to combat them before they even start to occur.
How can I avoid digital eye strain?
For many people, spending hours on end staring at a screen is inevitable. Between the demands of work and daily life, avoiding technology is nearly impossible in this day and age. This is why it’s important to adopt a few simple habits that will lessen the strain technology has on your eyes.
The first practice you should integrate into your life is the 20-20-20 rule. This rule says that for every twenty minutes you spend staring at a digital screen, you should take a twenty-second break and stare at something at least twenty feet away. This gives your eye muscles a chance to relax and prevents them from becoming fatigued. By taking just one minute out of every hour to give your eyes a break, you will significantly decrease your chance of developing eye strain symptoms.
Another great way to lessen eye strain is by avoiding contrast. Contrast may be pleasing to the eye at first, but exposing your eyes to high degrees of contrast for extended periods of time will likely result in tension headaches. Many devices offer the feature of changing the colors on your screen to colors that are less straining on the eyes. Instead of opting for the standard black text-white background combination, choose layouts that have less contrast, such as black text on a gray background. Almost all devices also give you the option to increase the text size, which would be a good idea to do as well.
A third simple change is to match the degree of brightness of your computer screen to the degree of brightness in the room you are in. Being in a room that has harsh, overhead lighting will create a glare on your screen, and you will have to strain your eyes more to compensate. Avoid this altogether by making sure you’re in a room with lightning that matches the lightning on your computer screen.
Is there anything else I can do?
The short answer to this question is “yes.”
Adapting the habits and behaviors listed above will be extremely helpful in reducing digital eye strain, but the best thing you can do if you are concerned is consult your eye doctor. By discussing your screen habits with your local optometrist, you’ll be able to gather insight into the best solution for you and your specific lifestyle.
Many eye experts recommend special eyeglasses that are specifically designed to lessen the impact digital technology has on your eyes, and your eye doctor can help you determine if that’s the right option for you.
Technology can make your life easier in so many ways, but you shouldn’t overlook the impact it could be having on your eye health. If you have any questions or concerns about how digital eye strain might be affecting you, talk to an optometrist
to learn what your options are.
Dr. Steven C. Mather 1401 Union Street Lafayette, Indiana 47904 765.742.1955 Dear Esteemed Patients, After 43 years of dedicated service, it is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement from my medical practice as of March 9th. It has been an incredible journey, one that I have cherished every moment of, and I am looking forward to spending more time on my new title of Grandpa. Our practice has rich history that dates back to 1946 with Dr. Peterson and in 1959 my uncle, Dr. Robert Mather, succeeded him. I was overjoyed to continue his legacy when I took over the practice in 1989. Over the years, we have built strong relations with our patients, and for that, we are profoundly grateful. Your loyalty and trust have been the driving force behind our success, and we cannot thank you enough for allowing us to be part of your lives for the past 78 years. I am thrilled to inform you that I have chosen to entrust the future of our practice to our friends at Norman and Miller Eyecare. They bring with them a wealth of knowledge, skill, and compassion, ensuring that you will continue to receive the highest quality of care. As I embark on this new chapter of my life, I do so with deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for each and every one of you. While I will miss seeing your familiar faces in the office, I am confident that you will be in excellent hands with Norman and Miller Eyecare. Please join me in welcoming them to our practice and continuing to entrust them with your healthcare needs. They share our commitment to providing personalized, compassionate care, and I am confident that they will uphold the legacy that we have worked so hard to build. They will continue to serve you at our 1401 Union Street location, however, if there is a location more convenient to you, your records will be available at all Norman and Miller Eyecare locations. Thank you once again for your trust and support over the years. It has been an honor and privilege to serve you, and I look forward to watching our practice flourish under the new leadership. With Warm Regards,
Check out our eye safety tips for the pool to make sure that you and your family have a safe and fun spring break and are prepared for summer!
Getting kids to wear glasses can be difficult, but our quick tips make it easier. From making sure their glasses fit to finding cool frames, we can help!