An Opticians Guide to Combatting the Effects of Screen Time

In an era where digital devices are an integral part of our daily lives, digital eye strain has become a growing concern. From the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed, we’re constantly glued to screens, whether it’s for work, entertainment, or staying connected with loved ones. While technology has undoubtedly made our lives easier, its impact on our eye health cannot be ignored.

It’s time to take a closer look at how we can combat the effects of screen time and protect our vision.

Understanding Digital Eye Strain and Combatting the Effects

Digital Eye Strain, also known as Computer Vision Syndrome, encompasses a range of eye and vision-related issues resulting from prolonged use of computers, tablets, e-readers, and mobile phones. Symptoms include headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, neck and shoulder pain, and eye strain. These symptoms can be exacerbated by poor lighting, glare on a digital screen, improper viewing distances, and poor seating posture.

Tips to Reduce Digital Eye Strain

1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This simple habit helps reduce eye strain by allowing your eyes to rest and refocus.

2. Ensure Proper Lighting: Excessive bright light, either from outdoor sunlight coming in through a window or harsh interior lighting, can cause eye strain. When using screens, it’s best to avoid bright lighting and use softer, ambient lighting instead.

3. Minimise Glare: Glare on screens can lead to eye strain. Consider using a screen filter to minimize glare from your devices. Additionally, positioning your screen so that windows are to the side rather than in front or behind it can help reduce glare.

4. Adjust Display Settings: Enhancing the contrast and enlarging text size on your devices can ease the strain on your eyes. Adjusting the brightness of your screen to match the light level in your room can also help.

5. Blink More Often: Staring at screens can reduce how often we blink, leading to dryer eyes. Make a conscious effort to blink more frequently to moisten your eyes and prevent irritation.

How Our Opticians Can Help

At our optician shops located in Cambuslang, Dennistoun, and Tollcross, we understand the challenges posed by digital eye strain in today’s digital age. We offer comprehensive eye exams designed to identify any signs of digital eye strain and provide personalised solutions to combat it. Our range of services includes:

• Personalised Eye Care: Tailored advice on reducing digital eye strain based on your lifestyle and screen usage.
• Specialised Eyewear: Prescription glasses with lenses designed to reduce glare, block harmful blue light, and enhance visual comfort during screen use.
• Professional Guidance: Tips on ergonomic setups for your work or gaming station to promote better posture and reduce eye strain.

Booking Your Eye Test

Experiencing symptoms of digital eye strain? It’s time to take action. Visit our website to book an eye test at our Cambuslang, Dennistoun, or Tollcross locations. Our friendly team of experts is ready to help you find the best solutions to protect your eyes in the digital age.

Remember, taking proactive steps to manage digital eye strain not only helps protect your vision but also enhances your overall quality of life. Let us help you achieve a comfortable and healthy digital life.