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Digital Eye Strain Treatment In Lowell

Eye Care In The Age Of Screens

The more time we spend on screens, the more crucial it is to take active steps to protect our eyes. Digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome, can cause headaches, blurry vision, and dry eyes if left unmanaged.

Discover our personalized digital eye strain treatments and enjoy more comfortable vision throughout your day.

What Causes Digital Eye Strain?

Digital eye strain is caused by the prolonged use of devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets. When focusing intently on screens’ small text and images, our eyes may not get the breaks they need to function properly.

Prolonged exposure to screens can also cause symptoms of dry eye disease. The more time we spend on screens, the less we may blink. Decreased blink rate diminishes tear function and can cause blurred vision and a gritty feeling like something is in the eye.

Managing Digital Eye Strain

Reducing the effects of digital eye strain is all about being mindful of your screen use. As soon as you become aware of how you use screens and how they affect your health, you can make small adjustments to give your eyes a break and see comfortably.

  • The 20-20-20 Rule: The 20-20-20 rule is simple. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break from your screen by looking at an object 20 feet away. This action gives your eyes the chance to refocus and relax so you can reduce damage or discomfort caused by strain.
  • Clean Screens: If your device is full of fingerprints and muck, your eyes may have difficulty seeing clearly. We squint to see clearly and increase clarity. Squinting through smudges on your screen is an inefficient way to view your screen, and it can cause headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and eye fatigue. You can clean off your screens using a microfiber cloth that picks up dirt and dust, ensuring your screen is clear so you can use it more comfortably.
  • Device Settings: On most devices, you can adjust the settings to suit your needs. Try not to have the brightness on your screen turned all the way up because it can cause discomfort. Matching screen brightness to your surroundings can also lower glare, which can, in turn, help reduce the impact of digital eye strain. You can also adjust the font size on smartphones and internet browsers. Increasing font sizes reduces squinting, so you can feel comfortable without straining your eyes to focus.

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We’re here to share our knowledge when it comes to eye health advice and meeting your eye care needs. Visit us to discover what dedicated community eye care can do for your visual comfort.

FAQs About Indiana Digital Eye Strain

Can Blue Light Glasses Help With Digital Eye Strain?

Blue light glasses are often marketed as a solution for digital eye strain, but research doesn’t strongly support their effectiveness. While they can filter some blue light from screens, they aren’t a magic fix and aren’t proven to significantly reduce discomfort or prevent strain. Managing screen brightness, adjusting your environment, and taking regular breaks are far more effective ways to protect your eyes and reduce strain.

What Is the Best Desk Setup to Avoid Digital Eye Strain?

A proper desk setup is key to minimizing eye strain; position your computer screen about 20 to 25 inches from your face. The top of your screen should be at or slightly below eye level. To reduce glare, which can contribute to eye strain, try to position your screen so that windows or bright lights are to the side rather than in front or behind it. Also, consider using a document holder to position papers at the same level as your monitor.

How Can I Relieve My Eye Strain?

If you’re feeling the effects of eye strain, try these quick remedies:  

  • Blink often to keep your eyes moist.  
  • Use artificial tears to reduce dryness and soothe irritation.  
  • Clean your screen and adjust the font size to make it easier on your eyes.  
  • Take a few minutes to close your eyes and rest them completely.  

These small steps can help relieve and comfort tired eyes.

Is Digital Eye Strain Worse for People With Glasses?

Digital eye strain can affect anyone, but it may be more noticeable for individuals who wear glasses if their prescription is not optimized for computer use. An outdated prescription can force your eyes to work harder, leading to increased strain. If you spend significant time on screens, speak with your eye doctor about lenses designed for computer distances, which can offer relief.

Is It Bad to Use My Phone in the Dark?

Using your phone in the dark can be harmful to your eyes and sleep. The drastic contrast between a bright screen and a dark room strains your eyes, which can lead to discomfort, headaches, and dryness. It is better to use your phone in a well-lit room or to enable your device’s night mode.

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