Digital Eye Strain In Peoria
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
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
*Once per month, call for details