Keep Your Eyes Healthy While Using Digital Devices


Research is showing a rise in the detection of visual problems because of the number of hours spent in front of a computer, tablets and smart phones.  Uncorrected hyperopia or myopia, astigmatism and wearing multifocals can all make computer use less comfortable and efficient.  Depending on your condition, your eyes could be exerting extra focusing effort or be forced to work harder to maintain a clear image when viewing the computer screen.  Even people with perfect vision may experience symptoms such as blurred vision, eyestrain and headaches with improper computer use.  To ensure comfortable and efficient computing, visit your optometrist for a thorough eye exam.  Your optometrist will 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 and your main work tasks
  • The type and location of lighting in your computer area

An optometrist will advise you if you suffer from Digital Eye Strain, or if your ocular discomfort is the result of a more serious vision or health problem.  To help reduce the risk of Digital Eye Strain consider the following tips:

  • Position your screen about an arm’s length from your eyes and 20 degrees below eye level.
  • Set colour and contrast tones to suit your eyes and match the brightness of your screen with your surroundings.
  • Minimize reflected glare on your screen by using dimmer switches on lights and 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.
  • Keep your screen free of fingerprints and dust, as both can reduce visual clarity.
  • Consider obtaining a clipboard if you alternate between looking at your screen and paperwork that attaches alongside your monitor so that the two are at the same working distance.
  • Use the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes take a 20 second break and focus your eyes on something at least 20 feet (6 metres) away.  This will give your eyes a much-needed break and reduce some of the symptoms mentioned earlier.
  • 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 teardrops or gels and remembering to blinks.  Consult your optometrist to determine which eye drops are best to relieve your dry eyes.
  • Ask for a blue light blocking coating on the lenses of your glasses. The sun emits blue light, but so do our phones, desktop monitors, tablets and laptops.  Blue light has several harmful effects.  It can contribute to computer vision syndrome by reducing contrast and causing eyestrain.  It can alter our sleep pattern by suppressing our melatonin secretion, which makes us less tired and makes it harder for us to fall asleep.  Lastly, blue light can damage the light sensitive cells at the back of our eye in our macula and increase the risk of developing macular degeneration later in life.  Your optometrist will talk to you about eyewear designed specifically for computer use.

Symptoms of headaches, eye strain blurred vision, eye irritation, double vision, excessive tearing or dry eyes and excessive blinking or squinting are all common effects of Digital Eye Strain.  Any time you experience these symptoms, you should make an appointment with Kniaziew Optometry for a comprehensive eye health examination to rule out a more serious vision problem.