The way we interact with the world is continually evolving. We interact, learn, and connect with others through digital devices: computers, smartphones, tablets, and TVs. With this increase in device-use, nearly 70% of Americans experience the effects of digital eye strain. Though generally mild and cause no long-term complications, the symptoms of eye strain are both uncomfortable and may impact workplace productivity.
Digital eye strain is a bit of a misnomer. It’s not the digital devices themselves that cause eye strain, but the prolonged periods spent concentrating on specific tasks. These can include digital device use as well as:
Eye strain can be exacerbated with device use because when we work on computers or smartphones, we tend to:
Additionally, when we read or focus on a display, our eye focusing muscles begin to fatigue. Because of this, reading and computer usage are both known to be major causes of eye strain.
Although symptoms are temporary and generally mild, they can also be uncomfortable and even painful. Symptoms include:
To confirm that your discomfort is caused by eye strain and not an underlying eye condition, you should have a comprehensive eye exam.
During this exam, Dr. Baldwin will assess your focusing system to determine the best way to relieve your eye strain. She may prescribe glasses with specialized features designed to alleviate eye strain caused by computers, smartphones, and other devices.
These may be spectacles you could wear all the time or ones you may only wear while doing heavy computer work.
Eye strain can be avoided and alleviated with simple moderations to your environment and habits. Taking frequent breaks (such as getting up every hour to go to the water cooler) gives the eyes a reprieve from intense focusing and introduces mobility and variation in posture.
You can also follow the 20/20/20 rule to remind yourself to take a break: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This forces the eyes to focus on something else, giving your eye muscles a chance to relax.
Environmental changes like reducing glare and increasing ambient lighting make it easier for the eye to focus, reducing strain on the muscles.
Adopting proper workplace ergonomics will also help reduce eye strain, headaches, and sore neck and back muscles. Keep your monitor at arm’s length, keep your wrists straight and hands at or below elbow level, and choose a chair that supports and encourages proper posture.
Schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. Baldwin. She will assess your eye strain and provide appropriate next steps to treat and manage symptoms.
I am very pleased with my experience from entry to exit. I’m so happy I followed through with my friend’s referral to see Dr. Baldwin. Dr. Baldwin was very thorough and efficient and so friendly and listened to my concerns and wishes regarding contacts. The staff is great as well. Anna is very patient and understanding! She listened to my concerns from a few past experiences and took everything into consideration to best fit my needs for Rx sunglasses. For me, ordering Rx sunglasses is very difficult. I’m very happy to be a patient at The Eye Gallery.
Megan Baldwin always does an amazing job with my kids! She is always super friendly, patient, and understanding and makes them feel comfortable! I highly recommend her and her wonderful staff!
Everyone in the office is friendly and professional. I needed help to choose a frame and they all helped me with good advice. The office is clean and working with COVID requirements to provide protection to all customers and workers there.
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