Canadians are spending more time than ever before using digital devices, and this increased screen time is taking its toll on our eyes. People who spend more than two hours per day using digital devices, including smartphones, computers, and tablets, are more likely to experience digital eye strain.
Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain
Symptoms of digital eye strain include:
- Tired eyes
- Burning eyes
- Red eyes
- Double vision
- Blurry vision
- Frequent headaches
- Twitching eyelids
- Trouble switching focus between near and distant objects, or vice versa
- Back and neck pain
How to Reduce or Even Avoid Digital Eye Strain
There are a few things you can do to reduce or even avoid digital eye strain. The most important thing is to remember to take frequent visual breaks from your digital devices so that your eyes have a chance to rest.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists suggests following the 20/20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes you should take a 20-second break from your computer and shift your focus to an object that is at least 20 feet away from you.
To learn more about digital eye strain, and what you can do to prevent it, please speak to your optometrist during your next appointment.
