Convenience, Connection… & Also Discomfort
Picture this. You’re working late on an important report, and your eyes are sore, tired, and watery. Your vision becomes blurry, and you’re finding it difficult to concentrate on the work. While your symptoms might be alarming, digital eye strain could be the culprit.
Usually, digital eye strain issues resolve on their own when you’re done working and take some time to rest. But, in some cases, an underlying problem could be exacerbating your symptoms. It’s always a good idea to see your optometrist when you notice any new or unusual eye issues.
Digital devices provide immense convenience and connection. They let us stay close to friends and family, book a hotel reservation or a vacation package, even order dinner at a moment’s notice, all from the comfort of home.
But too much screen time can also cause discomfort. Whether it’s your iPhone, tablet, gaming device, work laptop, home desktop computer, or e-reader, there’s a price to pay for the benefits they bring.
If you’re experiencing any ocular issues while using digital devices, request an appointment at The Bixby Eye Center.
Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain
Simply put, digital eye strain is a group of vision and eye issues that result from too much screen time. Looking at a screen makes your eyes work harder, and when they work harder, they can get strained.
Add in improper posture, and you have a recipe for a very modern problem.
If you’re experiencing any of the following issues while using screens, you might have digital eye strain:
- Blurry vision
- Headaches
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Eye fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sensitivity to light
Quick Adjustments Can Increase Comfort
No matter how perfect your office space, prolonged digital device use can cause eye strain. Make sure you take frequent breaks, no matter how busy you get. Not only will your body appreciate the time away from a seated posture, but your eyes will get a chance to relax and refocus.
But some simple adjustments can help mitigate discomfort:
Proper Posture
Proper workstation posture can help ease eye strain.
Sit with your head and neck upright and in line with your torso. Your shoulders should not be hunched. Face your screen directly and don’t twist or turn your back or neck.
Feet should be flat on the floor. If your chair can’t be positioned to give you a flat footing, use a small stool or stack of books.
Elbows should be close to the body and your accessories—like your mouse and keyboard—should be nearby to minimize reaching.
Look to Lighting
Minimizing glare as much as possible can also help mitigate digital eye strain. Position your device display so that overhead lights aren’t shining on the screen.
Letters on digital screens aren’t as precise as when they’re in print, so any additional glare can make reading even more difficult. Anti-glare screens are readily available, too, in case you want an added layer of protection.
Soft ambient light rather than fluorescent light can help minimize eye strain. Your surrounding light should be half as bright as a normal office setting.
Control Device Settings
Become familiar with your device settings and adjust them to minimize eye strain. Adjust your text size so it’s easily readable—you shouldn’t need to squint to read things.
Screen brightness should also match your surroundings. Your screen shouldn’t be a light source—if it is, turn down the brightness.
Find Relief From Digital Eye Strain
If you’re struggling with any kind of ocular discomfort, you should always visit your optometrist to ensure it isn’t something more serious.
Request an appointment at The Bixby Eye Center today.
Our Location
Our Address
- 6807 N. Knoxville Ave.
- Peoria, IL 61614
Contact Information
- Phone: 309-692-0000
- Fax: 309-692-8082
- Monday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Tuesday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Wednesday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Thursday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Friday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM – 12 PM*
- Sunday: Closed
*Once per month, call for details
After requesting an appointment, we will call you to confirm. If you don’t hear from us, please call 309-692-0000
Our Brands
Our Testimonials
I look forward to coming to Bixby Eye Center. They are caring and thorough.
Ken
Dr. Jensen was very professional and thorough during my exam. He took time to explain what he was observing and addressed any concerns. The staff was very welcoming and easy to talk. Robin made the experience of selecting glasses enjoyable and helped me find a pair that were best for me. Great team there!
Donivine
I have been consistently impressed by the team at Bixby. Having been a former patient of Dr. Lasken, I began seeing Dr. Jensen a few years ago. I have a complicated case of keratoconus, and Dr. Jensen and the team at Bixby have worked seamlessly with vision experts in Chicago, Iowa City, and Bloomington to ensure my needs are met. In a day and age where business often supersedes genuine performance, I am extremely grateful for this team’s willingness to continuously provide excellent/kind care & attention to my specific needs. Highly recommend if new to the area or seeking a change in optical providers.
Matt
Everyone is wonderful there!!!!
Julie
I felt heard by the technician and the physician, which goes a LONG WAY in healthcare!! Thank you for taking the time to listen to my concerns rather than making me feel rushed to get out.
Kimberly
I arrived early, yet, even so, I was not left waiting. Don is definitely the nicest and funniest ever. I actually had fun at an eye appointment.
Kristi
I was two hours early, and was in the right place at the right time. I was able to be taken care of then. The thorough explanation of which add ons to the lenses was a huge help in my decisions, and it was just nice to feel important; not just an appointment. I asked questions I was scared to ask before, and my doctor was patient, thorough, and very helpful in my understanding of certain terms. It also gave me more confidence in my vision. I cam to find out after all these years since my injury as a kid, I still have 20/20 vision, and there isn’t a scar or the potential for symptoms of one in the future. If people I am talking to have insurance that Bixby takes, I’m making sure they at least check you guys out, because the service is just all around awesome! There is absolutely nothing to change. Everything was done professional. You know how the saying goes, :If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” From the moment I walked in to the moment I walked out, I went from being nervous and worried to smarter and confident about my vision health and concerns. Thank y’all so much; very happy I’m now a client!
Calvin
The entire staff, from the lady at the reception desk to the person who helped me pick out new glasses was very professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. My best visit ever!
Judith
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Bixby Eye Care Center
- 6807 N. Knoxville Ave.
- Peoria, IL 61614
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P: 309-692-0000