Digital Devices Can Cause Digital Eye Strain
Working late to type out that report, studying all day, or playing video games for an extended period can all put stress on your eyes.
Digital devices are supposed to make life easier for us. We use them to order food, buy concert tickets, or connect with friends and family. But sometimes, they cause us pain.
Digital eye strain is definitely a modern problem. And while we’re going to be living with digital devices for a while, you don’t have to live with digital eye strain.
Please book an appointment at Family Focus Eyecare today to discuss your digital device use and see how it’s impacting your eyes.
What Is Digital Eye Strain?
Digital eye strain is also known as computer vision syndrome. It occurs when you spend too much time in front of a screen. Whether it’s an iPhone, tablet, gaming device, or desktop computer, screens have the potential to cause your eyes to strain.
Symptoms of digital eye strain include:
- Blurry vision
- Dry eyes
- Strained eyes
- Back and neck pain
- Headaches
Manage Digital Eye Strain
Usually, symptoms alleviate when you stop using your device. But, permanently quitting screen use is unlikely to happen—digital devices are a seemingly permanent part of our lives.
But making some simple changes to your workstation and screen use habits can help your eyes stay comfortable.
Look to Lighting
Glare can contribute digital eye strain. Reduce glare by positioning your screen away from outside light. Pull the drapes to decrease direct light, or purchase an anti-glare screen for your device.
Office Ergonomics
Following proper workplace ergonomics can help reduce your risk for digital eye strain and other computer-related injuries.
Rest your feet flat on the floor while working on a computer. And position your screen at eye level so you aren’t looking up at it. Additionally, keep your keyboard and mouse within reach and you should face your screen directly, with no twisting or turning.
Device Settings
Squinting to see things can increase ocular discomfort. So, change your device’s settings so that the font is larger and more readable.
Break for Blinking
Taking frequent breaks helps you remember to blink. When using screens, many people blink less than they normally would. Blinking lubricates the eyes and prevents d associated with digital eye strain.
20-20-20
The 20-20-20 rule is simple. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
This quick break helps your eyes rest and refocus. It might also remind you to grab a glass of water—staying hydrated is important for eye health!
Rule Out Other Conditions
A regular, comprehensive eye exam can rule out more serious conditions with similar symptoms. Optometrists are well-informed about digital eye strain. If you come to an exam prepared to discuss your symptoms, workstation, and screen habits, your optometrist can make recommendations for relief.
Computer Glasses
Even if you don’t wear glasses regularly, you might benefit from computer glasses. We can customize a pair of computer glasses according to your workstation setup—where you sit in relation to your screen will determine the magnification power you need for relief.
Computer glasses help you see your screen without making you bend and twist into uncomfortable postures.
Special coatings for digital device users are also available. An anti-glare coating helps stave off strain, and blue-light-blocking glasses reduce exposure to blue light emitted by screens.
Our friendly staff will happily assist you in selecting the perfect pair of computer glasses.
Children & Digital Eye Strain
Kids are uniquely susceptible to digital eye strain. Millions of children are now using digital devices regularly, and they aren’t always self-aware enough to recognize vision problems.
Often, kids use adult workstations that aren’t set up for their smaller frames, and they are less likely to reposition items to make things more comfortable.
Not only does screen time contribute to digital eye strain, but it can also encourage children to be more sedentary. Inactive lifestyles bring on plenty of health problems. It’s a good idea for parents to manage children’s use of screens and promote plenty of breaks.
Find Relief from Digital Eye Strain
We’re happy to talk through your concerns about digital device use. Please book your appointment today.
Visit One of Our Locations
Columbia
We are in Westbury-1.5 miles further west from our old W. Broadway location, near Toasty Goat and the new Club Carwash
- 725 S. Scott Blvd Suite 101
- Columbia, MO 65203
Our Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: By Appointment
- Sunday: By Appointment
Eldon
Our Eldon location is on Oak Street, two blocks north of the post office and between North and High Street.
- 115 N Oak St
- Eldon, MO 65026
Our Hours
- Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: By Appointment
- Sunday: By Appointment
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Our Testimonials
Dr. Rich is extremely helpful and thoughtful. He cleared up my eye issues within one appointment and even allowed for texts to assess after the appointment. I had been going to a specialist in Columbia for a year and they didn’t even compare to how great Family Focus Eyecare was!
Erin Scrivner
Dr. Barrett is knowledgeable, friendly and practical, I have gone to her for years and trust her. The office staff is great, they are willing to help and make appointments when you need care quickly.
Pamela Didur
The Family Focus Eyecare team is amazing! They really make you feel like home the second you walk through the door. My husband and I both have been very pleased and highly recommend them to anyone in the Columbia area!
Katie Beasley
Twice now, the staff at FFEC have gone above and beyond to help me see clearly. One time I had a contact lens come out while I was driving. It gave me a migrane, and I drove around in desperation trying to find an eye exam since my prescription was expired…. After being turned away in an EMPTY waiting room at the WalMart vision center, and not even being offered a sample pair till an an appointment could be set… I called FFEC and they not only had me come right over, they squeezed me in between two clients, gave me replacement contacts, and informed me my insurance would cover everything because they looked up my plan details for me!! (I didnt even know I had vision coverage). What an exceptional team and business!!!! I was so thankful. This might be the first review I have ever taken the time to write.
Dorian Brownlee
I had a great experience!! Very knowledgeable staff and excited about the new contact lens options! Highly recommend!
Rhonda Bledsoe
Dr. Rich was so great with our 3 year old son! He was patient and sweet. This was during COVID and they were very careful with masks and cleaning. I plan to go back myself and so does my husband.
Amanda Fisher
I had an acute eye problem and FFE was able to get me in within a few days where other places were months out. They diagnosed the problem quickly and I was on my way feeling relieved that I would soon be headache free.
Kasie Sly
The entire team was friendly, efficient and helpful throughout my entire experience. Best customer service experience I’ve had with an eye doctor in Columbia. I would highly recommend them to anyone.
Sarah Carnes
Best of the best! Very quick and courteous. No wasted time and the prices seem very fair for the services rendered. One of my biggest concerns was picking frames and they made it painless. Very pleased, I recommend them without hesitation!
Steve Baumann
Dr. Rich is by far the best eye doctor I have ever met! They went above and beyond to help me find the right pair of frames for me. I get compliments every time I wear them. No matter where I live I will always see Dr Rich for my eye care. I moved to STL and I still make the 2 hour drive to meet with him – totally worth it.
Walter Juarez
Dr. Rich is fantastic! My last eye exam has been years ago and this is my first visit at Family Focus Eyecare. I was immediately impressed with the attentive staff as you walk in, not only were the friendly but also extremely efficient getting me started and keeping me on time. The lobby area is pleasant and has a nice new feel to it. Because this was my first visit I had to go through the typical tests for them to examine my eyes and their technology & equipment are top-notch, it was so easy. Once I met with Dr. Rich he explained everything clearly and especially took the time to ask me many questions about my eyes, habits, difficulties and things I felt needed his attention. After consulting with him thoroughly and running numerous tests I was given a LOWER prescription! He was able to determine my contacts were too strong and what was causing my vision to not be perfect. Everything about my experience was perfect and I highly recommend Dr. Rich and Family Focus Eyecare!
John Sorensen
The staff is so friendly, helpful and very accommodating for kids. My girls are sad that they only get to go once a year.
Joy Lowe
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Columbia
- 725 S. Scott Blvd Suite 101
- Columbia, MO 65203
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P: 573-446-1600
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Eldon
- 115 N Oak St
- Eldon, MO 65026
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P: 573-392-7126