Loading...
How can we help you?
  • Sudbury Hours: Mon - Fri 10:00-5:30PM
  • Espanola Hours: Mon - Fri 10:00-5:30PM
Sudbury Office
(705) 522-1292
Espanola Office
(705) 869-2030
BOOK APPOINTMENT

Screen Time & Vision

Screen Time & Vision

EYE HEALTH

DIGITAL EYE STRAIN
SCREEN TIME & VISION

Research is showing a rise in the detection of visual problems. Having uncorrected hyperopia or myopia ,astigmatism or presbyopia can all make computer use less comfortable and efficient.Depending on your condition, your eyes could be exerting extra effort or be forced to work harder to maintain a clear image when viewing the screen. Even people with perfect vision may experience symptoms such as blurred vision, eyestrain and headaches with prolonged computer use.

Special anti-glare coated lenses are designed to cut the blue-violet wavelength of light emitted by computer monitors and digital devices. This blue-violet light has been shown to increase eyestrain and fatigue.

While symptoms like headaches, eye strain, blurred vision, eye irritation, double vision, excessive tearing or dry eyes, eye pain or excessive blinking are all common effects of Computer Vision Syndrome, any time you experience these symptoms, you should visit your doctor of optometry for a comprehensive eye examination.

computer-vision-syndrome

Optometrists need to know:

  • How many hours a day you use a computer
  • The distance from your eyes to your screen
  • The overall set up of your workstation, your main work tasks and if you have multiple screens
  • The type and location of lighting in your computer area

This will help your doctor discover if you suffer from Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), or if your ocular discomfort is the result of a more serious vision or health problem.

Here are our helpful tips against digital eye strain

Fix your positioning

Correct positioning of your computer, keyboard and typing copy is essential. Your screen should be positioned about an arm’s length from your eyes and 20 degrees below eye level. Consider foot and wrist rests for added comfort.

Room lighting and screen brightness can make a world of a difference

Minimize reflected glare on your screen by dimming the lights in the room if possible and consider using a protective anti-glare screen cover. Also consider positioning your screen so that it sits perpendicular to windows and other bright light sources. If you are having trouble locating the source of the glare, turn off your monitor to reveal a darkened screen, and tilt/swivel your monitor until the reflection disappears.

Set screen colour and contrast tones to suit your eyes, and match the brightness of your screen with your surroundings.

Alternating between a screen and your notes can be annoying, try this

If you alternate between looking at your screen and paperwork, consider obtaining a clipboard that attaches alongside your monitor so that the two are at the same working distance.

Extra help from your glasses

Anti-reflective coatings on the lenses of your glasses can be applied to reduce discomfort. And don’t forget, your doctor of optometry can talk to you about eyeglasses designed specifically for people who use computers a lot.

Try the 20-20-20 rule

Every 20 minutes take a 20 second break and focus your eyes on something at least 20 feet away (the water cooler, possibly?). This is intended to give your eyes a much-needed break.

Remember to blink!

Did you know that on average we blink 12 times per minute, but when we’re on the computer, we only blink 5 times per minute? That can add up to dry eyes. Relieve the discomfort by using artificial tears (eye drops) or gels and remembering to blink. Consult your optometrist to determine which eye drops are best for you.

Ask for anti-reflective coatings on the lenses of your glasses, which can be applied at the time of manufacturing, to protect your eyes from bright and/or flickering light sources such as fluorescent lights.

Ask for lenses designed to reduce focusing effort while looking at computer screens. Many lens manufacturers now have prescription lenses that reduce the amount of focusing effort that the eyes must exert. These lenses are optimized for a computer screen distance and tend to maximize the field of view which is important as many people now have wider or even multiple monitors.