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Digital Eye Strain: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions.

In today’s world, our eyes are constantly on the clock, glued to screens from our phones to our desktops. This intense digital focus has given rise to a modern-day ailment: Digital Eye Strain. Also known as Computer Vision Syndrome, this condition is more than just tired eyes; it’s a collection of vision and eye-related issues that can significantly impact your daily comfort and productivity. At Oakes Optician, we understand these modern challenges and are here to help you understand the symptoms, causes, and most importantly, the solutions to protect your eyes. 

Understanding the Problem: Symptoms & Causes

Digital eye strain can manifest in a variety of uncomfortable ways. Being aware of these signs is the first step toward finding relief.

  • Symptoms: 

You might notice a frequent feeling of tired or burning eyes, dryness, or itching. Your vision may become blurry, or you might even experience headaches after a long day of screen time. Often, you might also have neck and shoulder pain from poor posture while looking at a screen.

  • Causes: The primary culprit is our reduced blink rate when concentrating on a screen. A typical person blinks around 15 times per minute, but this can drop by more than half while using a digital device, leading to dryness. Other factors include glare from your screen and surrounding lights, poor monitor positioning, and uncorrected vision problems that force your eyes to overwork.

Practical Solutions & Professional Support

The good news is that digital eye strain is manageable with simple adjustments and professional guidance.

  • Practice the 20-20-20 Rule: A simple yet effective habit is to take 
  • a break every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a much-needed moment to relax and refocus.
  • Optimize Your Workspace: Adjust your screen to be at arm’s length and slightly below eye level. Use anti-glare filters on your screen and adjust the brightness to match the room’s lighting.
  • Explore Computer Glasses: If you spend a significant amount of time on a computer, consider a pair of glasses designed specifically for this purpose. These can be customized with anti-glare coatings and specialized blue light filters to reduce discomfort and protect your eyes.

Don’t let digital eye strain disrupt your life. We can help you find a solution tailored to your needs. 

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