Digital Eye Strain in Maple Ridge

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Screen Time Can Have Its Consequences

We have become more reliant on digital screens in recent years. With many Canadians using screens for work, school, and entertainment, it is no surprise digital eye strain is prominent. 

Long periods of screen time can leave you with a headache, sore shoulders, and tired, burning eyes. If you’re suffering from irritated eyes regularly, consider booking an appointment. We can help determine the cause of your discomfort and provide practical solutions. 

What Is Digital Eye Strain?

Digital eye strain is a group of vision-related problems occurring due to the extended use of digital devices. After several hours of using your devices, you may experience a combination of irritating symptoms.

These symptoms include:

  • Eye strain
  • Blurred vision
  • Headaches
  • Double vision
  • Watery or dry eyes
  • Eye pain
  • Excessive blinking

What Causes Digital Eye Strain?

Extended focusing for long periods is the usual cause of digital eye strain. The computer itself is not the reason you experience headaches and discomfort. It is the way you use your digital devices. 

People tend to experience strained eyes more when using the computer because they:

  • Blink less frequently
  • View devices from poor distances
  • Use devices with glare or reflection

These factors cause your eyes to focus harder when using the computer, tiring them out and leading to digital eye strain symptoms. Besides how you view your screen, poor ergonomics can cause aggravating symptoms. 

Treating Digital Eye Strain

Digital eye strain is unlikely to put your vision at risk, but it can significantly affect your quality of life. The best treatment for this condition is prevention, and there are several ways you can avoid irritation at the end of the day. 

Consider adding the following tips to your computer habits: 

  • Remember to blink
  • Adjust the contrast & brightness of your screen to match the room’s lighting
  • Move your screen away from incoming sunlight or overhead lighting
  • Use the 20/20/20 rule—look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes for at least 20 seconds
  • Adjust your workspace & sitting habits to avoid extra stress on your body

Use Your Devices Without Worry

You should not have to worry about headaches and strained eyes each time you use your digital devices. With a few changes to your habits, you can prevent these uncomfortable symptoms. If symptoms continue despite these changes, book an appointment—there may be an underlying cause for your irritation. 

OUR LOCATION

Maple Ridge Eye Care is located on the corner of Dewdney Trunk Road and 230 Street, directly across from the Tim Hortons. Parking is available in the lot directly behind our practice. If you have any questions or are having trouble finding us, please give us a call!

Exterior of Maple Ridge Eye Care located on the corner of Dewdney Trunk Road and 230 Street

Our Address

  • 23015 Dewdney Trunk Road
  • Maple Ridge, BC V2X 3K9

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While pink eye is easily recognizable and usually not serious, it can sometimes be confused with other conditions that have similar symptoms. In fact, several conditions are commonly misdiagnosed as pink eye including:
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Dry eye syndrome
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Foreign body in the eye
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