Prolonged Screen Time is Hard on Your Eyes
Screens are a part of daily life—but too much time on computers, phones, and tablets can leave your eyes feeling dry, tired, and overworked. Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is increasingly common across all age groups.
If your eyes feel gritty, tired, or blurry after a long day at the computer, you’re not alone. Digital eye strain often goes hand-in-hand with dry eye symptoms, and it’s something we see often in our community.
At Claresholm Eye Care, we offer personalized strategies—from blue light lenses and office glasses to dry eye treatments—that can help you feel more comfortable and protect your long-term vision. Book your appointment today and give your eyes the break they deserve.
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What is Digital Eye Strain?
Digital eye strain happens when your eyes are overexerted by prolonged use of digital devices. It often goes hand-in-hand with dry eye symptoms, especially in Alberta’s dry, windy climate.
Common signs and symptoms can include:
- Dry, irritated eyes
- Headaches
- Blurred or double vision
- Redness or eyelid twitching
- Neck, shoulder, or back pain
How Can I Prevent Digital Eye Strain?
The obvious answer is to decrease the time spent using digital devices. However, with the increased use of computers in schools, digital workspaces, and smartphones, this isn’t always possible.
If you can’t easily reduce your screen time, there are other strategies you can employ to help prevent digital eye strain.
Specialty lenses, including blue light filters and office lenses, can make a big difference in how your eyes feel after hours on a screen. Blue light glasses help reduce exposure to high-energy visible light that may contribute to digital eye strain and disrupt sleep patterns.
Office glasses are tailored to suit your specific visual needs in work or home environments. They are designed to provide clear, comfortable vision at intermediate and near distances, making them ideal for tasks like computer work, reading, and meetings.
These lenses can be customized based on your lifestyle, whether you need them strictly for desk work or prefer the ability to move around the office without switching glasses. They also help support a more natural posture, reducing eye strain and neck discomfort during long hours of screen time.
Your environment plays a key role in eye comfort. Making simple ergonomic changes to your workspace can ease not just eye strain but also the tension in your neck, shoulders, and back. Try positioning your monitor so the top of the screen is at or just below eye level, and keep it about arm’s length away.
Adjust the brightness to match the ambient light in the room and avoid harsh overhead lighting or glare. Even small changes—like using a supportive chair or moving your keyboard—can add up to big comfort gains.
When you’re focused on a screen, your blink rate drops and your eyes stay fixed—both contributing to fatigue and dry eye.
To give your eyes a break, follow the 20-20-20 rule:
- Every 20 minutes
- Take a 20-second pause to look at something 20 feet away
This mini reset helps your eye muscles relax and encourages more natural blinking, which keeps your eyes refreshed and comfortable during long screen sessions.
Let’s Give Your Eyes a Break
Digital eye strain is more than just an annoyance—it can impact your comfort, productivity, and overall eye health. Whether it’s dry eye treatment, custom office lenses, or tips for a better workstation, our team is here to help you see clearly and feel better.
Book an appointment with Claresholm Eye Care today and discover real relief for your screen-weary eyes.
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With advanced technology and a knowledgeable team, we can diagnose, treat, and manage a range of conditions, from your child’s nearsightedness to irritating dry eyes to eye diseases.
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Our in-house lab lets us finish and secure your lenses in your frames, reducing your wait time and helping lower your final bill.
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For clear, distortion-free vision, we use high-quality Nikon lenses and craft your eyewear with precision and care so your glasses suit both your style and vision needs.
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Our eye clinic in Claresholm has been serving Southern Alberta for over 20 years. We are located next to Rooster Tails and Prairie Home Decor & Framing.
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- 130 49 Ave. West
- Claresholm, AB T0L 0T0
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- Phone: 403-625-4471
- Fax: 403-625-4773
- Email: [email protected]
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Claresholm Eye Care
- 130 49 Ave. West
- Claresholm, AB T0L 0T0
- 403-625-4471
- 403-625-4773
- [email protected]
