Screen Time & Your Sight
Digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome, is a problem unique to our digital age. Between 50% and 90% of screen users experience eye-related symptoms resulting from digital device use.
Whether you are banking, reading, ordering food, or video-chatting with family and friends, it certainly seems that digital devices make our lives easier. And while this might be true, they can also cause some problems.
Your optometrist can help determine whether your symptoms are a result of digital eye strain. Come ready to discuss your screen time habits, your workstation setup, and the style and type of lighting you are using.
Please book an appointment to discuss your digital eye strain today.
Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain
When using screens, your eyes work harder than usual to maintain focus. Even if you have excellent vision, you may still experience some discomfort if you spend a lot of time in front of a computer.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, particularly while using screens, the culprit may be digital eye strain:
- Headache
- Blurry vision
- Dry eyes
- Neck or shoulder pain
The symptoms usually resolve after you step away from your screen. But since it is difficult to leave digital devices behind for good, the problem will likely return after picking your device up again.
Mitigating Discomfort from Digital Devices
There are some strategies you can try at home to minimize digital eye strain:
- Posture: Rather than hunching over with rounded shoulders, be sure to sit straight and upright. Your head and neck should be in alignment with your torso.
- Office Ergonomics: Your screen should be at eye level, and your keyboard and mouse should be easily within reach.
- Device Settings: Adjust your device’s font size to an easily readable level. This should help minimize straining and lunging forward. The display on your screen should not be too bright and should match your surroundings.
- The 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, give your eyes a chance to refocus by looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Adhering to this rule will provide you with an opportunity to relax your focus and blink, something that happens much less often while looking at a screen.
- Minimize Glare: Your device should be positioned so light from windows or lamps does not cause glare. You may also want to invest in an anti-glare cover for your devices.
Children & Digital Eye Strain
Children’s screen time is beginning earlier and lasting longer than ever before. When children spend too much time on screens, it can result in obesity, poor sleep quality, and learning delays.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends the following frequency for acceptable children’s screen time usage:
- Ages 0–2: None
- Ages 2–5: No more than 1 hour per day
- Ages 5–18: No more than 2 hours per day
When children use screens, it is good to take breaks every 30–60 minutes. Those breaks should include whole-body movement and physical activity. When possible, the outdoors is a great place for a break.
Not only does outdoor activity make for a great way to break from screen time, it may also slow the progression of myopia.
Discuss Your Digital Device Use with Us
It is important to discuss your digital device use and symptoms with your eye doctor, so serious eye conditions can be ruled out. Please book an appointment with Dr. Abrams today.
Our Location
Where to Find Us?
We are located on the northwest corner of Hwy 7 and Pine Valley Dr.
Where to Park?
There is ample free parking available immediately directly in front of our ground floor entrance
Our Address
- 4610 Hwy 7, Suite 110
- Woodbridge, ON L4L 4Y7
Contact Information
- Phone: 905.850.2400
- Fax: 905.850.9012
- Email: info@drbrianabrams.com
Hours of Operations
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Why Choose Us
Trusted in the Community
Dr. Brian Abrams Optometrist has been a trusted provider of family and specialized care in Woodbridge, Vaughan, for more than 2 decades. Our team has been a trusted service provider in the Woodbridge community since 1994.
Patient-Centric Approach
Your experience is our priority. From your first consultation following every subsequent visit, every member of our team is here to answer your questions and make you feel comfortable.
The Most Advanced Equipment
Our office is equipped with the best equipment and the latest technology, enabling our teams to deliver the most comprehensive and effective care, from diagnostics and exams to treatments.
Full Range of Services
We provide our customers with a wide range of high-quality and professional eye care services for every member of the family, so you can get all the care you need from one convenient location and one trusted provider.
Fast Responses
Our office is open 6 days a week and is easy to access for convenient and prompt services. We urgently respond to your requests so you can address all your eye care and optometry needs efficiently. When emergency care is required, we accommodate same-day appointments based on severity.
Expert Teams
Dr. Brian Abrams is a graduate of one of the world’s leading eye care institutions and an Ontario Association of Optometrists member. While our team has many years of education and experience, we continually participate in courses to expand our knowledge and services.
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Dr. Brian Abrams Optometrist
- 4610 Hwy 7, Suite 110
- Woodbridge, ON L4L 4Y7
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P: 905.850.2400
info@drbrianabrams.com