Managing Computer Eye Strain in South Australia

In today’s digital era, screens are an inescapable part of daily life. The impact that prolonged digital device use can have on your eyes is becoming an ever greater concern.

HoldfastBay Optometry is committed to providing effective solutions and preventative measures for computer eye strain, also known as digital eye strain, ensuring your eyes remain comfortable and healthy in a screen-centric world.

What Does Computer Eye Strain Look Like?

Digital eye strain manifests through various symptoms that can affect your productivity, comfort and overall eye health. Common signs include:

• Tired, sore, or burning eyes
• Dry or watery eyes
• Blurred or double vision
• Headaches
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling that you cannot keep your eyes open

Poor lighting, glare on a digital screen, improper viewing distances, or uncorrected vision problems can exacerbate these symptoms.

How Can I Prevent Computer Eye Strain?

Preventing computer eye strain involves adopting a few simple yet effective habits:

• Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away
• Optimise Your Workspace: Ensure your screen is at eye level and about an arm’s length away. Adjust lighting to minimise glare on your screen
• Blink More Often: Frequently blinking helps maintain eye moisture, reducing dryness and irritation
• Adjust Screen Settings: Increase text size for easier reading and adjust the brightness and contrast to comfortable levels

How to Protect Your Children’s Eyes From Digital Screens?

Protecting your child from the effects of digital screens is crucial for their visual development and well-being. Some methods you can use to protect your eyes also apply to your children, while others are unique to the development of children’s eyes.

• Encourage regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule
• Create screen-free zones and times to help them rest their eyes
• Teach them about the importance of blinking and taking breaks
• Ensure they engage in outdoor activities to balance screen time. One to three hours outside daily helps digital eye strain and lowers the risk of developing myopia or nearsightedness
• Monitor screen use and set a good example with your digital device habits

How HoldfastBay Optometry Treats Computer Eye Strain

Our approach to treating computer eye strain is multifaceted. After a comprehensive eye examination to rule out underlying vision problems, we may recommend the following:

• Customised Eyewear: Lenses designed for computer use can help alleviate eye strain by adjusting the focus point to match the distance to your screen
• Environmental Adjustments: Guidance on workspace optimisation to reduce strain
• Eye Drops: To relieve symptoms of dry eyes associated with prolonged screen use

Don’t let computer eye strain affect your life. Visit us in Glenelg for comprehensive solutions tailored to your lifestyle. Together, we can ensure your digital life is comfortable.