Digital Eye Strain

Preserving Your Eye Health

We put our eyes through a lot during a busy day, and sometimes we don’t have time to slow down and take a break. Digital screens are an essential part of daily living and, for most people, unavoidable. When we don’t give our eyes a break, digital eye strain can take hold.

At Port Royal Eye Care, we help you manage the symptoms of digital eye strain by exploring different prevention methods to help you find the relief you deserve.

Contact us to schedule an appointment and begin managing your digital eye strain symptoms today.

Keeping an Eye on Digital Eye Strain

Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, can affect your eyes before you realize it when you spend long hours in front of a computer, phone, tablet, or another digital screen.

The effects of this condition can be magnified by preexisting vision issues such as myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism, or presbyopia.

Common signs and symptoms of digital eye strain may include:

  • Blurred vision

  • Neck and shoulder pain

  • Headaches

  • Dry eyes

Untreated symptoms of digital eye strain can worsen over time and lead to other vision issues. Consistent eye exams can help our team diagnose digital eye strain and manage your symptoms.

Managing Digital Eye Strain

The first step to finding long-term relief from your digital eye strain symptoms is to visit us for a comprehensive eye exam. The severity of your symptoms can depend on factors such as your screen time habits, your posture, lighting, glare, and the angle of your monitor.

Along with treatment, there are some management methods you can practice on your own to help alleviate digital eye strain.

Practice the 20-20-20 Rule

The 20-20-20 rule can help give your eyes a break during intense work sessions. Long work sessions can result in your eyes feeling dry or strained.

Focusing on your work is important, but so is getting a much-needed break!

The 20-20-20 rule involves:

  • Looking away from your screen every 20 minutes

  • Focusing on something 20 feet away

  • Looking at the object of focus for at least 20 seconds

Adjust the Lighting of Your Setup

Lighting can play an important part in preventing digital eye strain. If your workstation has lighting that is too dim or too bright, it can have a negative impact on your vision.

Finding that balance is essential, and adjusting your screen brightness so you’re not squinting or straining your eyes can provide much-needed relief. Glare also contributes to eye strain and is important to consider in your setup.

Watch Your Posture

Viewing your computer screen at incorrect angles can alter your posture and cause unnecessary stress to your eyes and body. Your screen should be about arm’s length away from your eyes and at eye level or slightly below.

The Relief You Deserve

Vision care is all about the details, and at Port Royal Eye Care, we help you get to the bottom of your digital eye strain woes. Our team uses comprehensive eye exams to help prepare a management plan that works for you.

Contact us to schedule an appointment and get the relief you deserve today.

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