Protecting Your Eyes from Digital Eyestrain – or Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)
With smartphones, tablets, and computers now a part of everyday life, digital screens are essential for work, entertainment, and communication. However, prolonged screen time has led to an increase in Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), also known as digital eye strain.
At Optometrists’ Clinic Edmonton, we believe in helping our patients protect their eyesight from screen-related strain. Here’s what you need to know about CVS symptoms, prevention, and treatment options.
What is Computer Vision Syndrome?
Although screens don’t directly damage your eyes, staring at a digital display for extended periods can lead to eye strain and discomfort. If you spend more than two hours at a time on a computer, tablet, or smartphone, you could be at risk of CVS.
Computer workers aren’t the only ones affected—children who frequently use smartphones or tablets may also develop CVS symptoms over time.
Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome
The most common symptoms of CVS include:
- Dry or red eyes
- Blurry vision
- Frequent headaches
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Feeling like the words on your screen are moving
If you experience one or more of these symptoms regularly, it may be time to adjust your screen habits and schedule an eye exam in Edmonton.
How to Prevent Computer Vision Syndrome
The good news is that CVS symptoms are temporary and often go away once you give your eyes a break. However, long-term exposure to digital screens without proper eye care can worsen vision problems over time.
Here are simple steps to reduce eye strain from screens:
1. Read Screens in Proper Lighting
- Poor lighting can make digital eye strain worse. Make sure you’re using soft, indirect light when working on a computer.
- As you age, your eyes will require more light to comfortably read screens. Adjust your screen brightness and contrast to match your environment.
2. Blink More Often
- When concentrating on a screen, we tend to blink less frequently, leading to dry, irritated eyes. Make a conscious effort to blink regularly to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
- If dry eyes persist, consider using lubricating eye drops recommended by your optometrist.
3. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
- Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This helps relax your eye muscles and reduce strain.
4. Limit Screen Time for Children
- Excessive screen time can impact vision development in kids. Monitor your child’s screen use and encourage regular breaks.
5. Use Lenses Designed for Digital Screens
- Specialized spectacle and contact lenses are available to reduce digital eye strain.
- At Optometrists’ Clinic Edmonton, we offer:
- Zeiss Digital lenses – designed for screen use with reduced glare and improved contrast.
- Biofinity Energys contact lenses – built for digital comfort, keeping your eyes moist and relaxed.
- Blue protect anti-glare coatings – these coatings help filter blue light and reduce glare from screens.
6. Get Regular Eye Exams
- The best way to catch and manage digital eye strain is through regular eye exams. The general recommendation is to have an exam every one to two years, depending on age and eye health.
- If you wear glasses or contact lenses, your prescription should be updated regularly to prevent additional strain from an outdated prescription.
Book an Eye Exam in Edmonton
Long hours of screen time don’t have to mean discomfort. If you experience frequent eye strain, blurry vision, or headaches, it’s time to check in with an optometrist in Edmonton.
At Optometrists’ Clinic Edmonton, we offer comprehensive eye exams and customized solutions to help reduce digital eye strain and improve your overall eye health.
Schedule your eye exam today and let us help you protect your vision in the digital age!
