Everywhere we turn these days, we are bombarded by technology. Computers are part of our everyday work life at many jobs, and the majority of people have at least one handheld device such as a phone or tablet, not to mention there are TV’s in most American homes. With technology use on the rise, it’s no wonder that there’s a rise in things like digital eye strain, too.
In fact, we’re seeing more and more patients at our Nashville eye clinic with symptoms of digital eye strain who are looking for relief. There are a number of things we can do to combat the overworked and tired eyes we get after using technology too much or too often, such as specialized glasses or lenses.
To get started on the right relief for you, make an appointment with the leading Nashville eye doctor today. Not only will we help you diagnose the problem, but we also offer a great optical boutique with a broad selection of frames and glasses, so you can find the perfect solution to combat your tired eyes.
Why Our Eyes Get Tired & Strained
The simple answer to why so many people are getting tired and strained eyes nowadays is the heavy use of technology. Digital eye strain can come from staring at a computer screen all day for your job or using your phone or tablet into the wee hours of the night. It’s even worse when you do these things in dark rooms, as so many of us do!
Computer Vision Syndrome, commonly referred to as digital eye strain, is a disorder characterized by the American Optometric Association as “a group of eye – and vision–related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader, and cell phone use.”
Symptoms vary between individuals, and to some extent, they will depend on how much/often you use the various associated technologies. Though digital eye strain symptoms vary widely, the most common symptoms include
- Eyestrain (and its resulting pain or discomfort)
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Dry eyes
- Neck and shoulder pain
Things that can potentially make any of these digital eye strain symptoms worse include the following:
- Poor lighting
- Glare from screens
- Looking at screens at improper distances, particularly too close
- Uncorrected vision problems that get exacerbated by digital strain
How to Combat Digital Eye Strain
The best thing we can do to combat digital eye strain is also the most obvious: use screens less. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to completely remove them from your life, though, which is why the American Optometric Association recommends you follow the 20-20-20 rule. Following these guidelines, you would take a 20-second break from screens for every 20 minutes in front of them – and make sure you’re looking at something (at least) 20 feet away to give your eyes a chance to rest and refocus during that time.
Aside from giving your eyes a break from time to time, there are a few things we can do to improve your symptoms and combat digital eye strain. The first step, of course, will be to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our Nashville eye doctor. Not only will this ensure we’re addressing the proper issue, but it will also give us the opportunity to guide you toward the best solution for your specific case.
It’s estimated that nearly 70% of the working adult population in the country experiences at least some level of eye strain as it relates to technology. On a positive note, this means that technology designed to reduce the impact is getting much better. At our Nashville Optometry office, we love and use Hoya products for a variety of progressive multifocal and digital lenses, both of which can be great solutions for treating digital eye strain symptoms.
The most basic treatment for tired and stressed-out eyes are blue light glasses. These classes can prevent the blue light from phones, computers, and other devices from impacting your eyes to the same degree. In turn, this prevents things like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), as well as myopia and sleep disturbances. There are also options for multifocal or progressive lenses if that better fits your lifestyle.
If you’re ready to improve your overall eye health and ensure the longevity of your vision, make your appointment with the #1-rated Nashville eye doctor today.
