Sitting in front of a screen all day is working some muscles to the extreme. Sitting in front of a screen all day is working some muscles to the extreme.
Sitting in front of a screen all day is working some muscles to the extreme.
Sitting in front of a screen all day is working some muscles to the extreme.
Eye doctors are asking people to be aware of their eyes, particularly since people are spending more and more time looking at their computers and phones.
A 2017 survey by the Alberta Association of Optometrists showed on average people spend 10.5 hours a day looking at a screen and 70 per cent of people had symptoms of eye strain.
Jared Codd, an Okotoks web designer, said he is below the average with eight to 10 hours a day of screen time a day.
Codd said he is aware of digital eye strain.
“If I find them drying out, I will close them for a while,” he said. “I just rest them more and try to focus on something else.”
It usually takes around five hours in front of the computer before he notices his eyes feel strained, Codd said.
“One of the big things is taking a break and look away from the screen,” he said.
He first heard about digital eye strain from a poster he saw at the Okotoks emergency centre and said he did some research to find techniques to help his eyes.
Codd has worn glasses for most his life and said he doesn't find computer use affects his prescription.
Okotoks optometrist Dr. Damon Umscheid said the most common symptoms of digital eye strain are dry eyes, headache, tired eyes and problems sleeping at night.
Umscheid said he is seeing people daily with symptoms of digital eye strain.
“We are definitely seeing an increase in the number of patients coming in with digital eye strain symptoms,” said Umscheid.
“In many cases, people are surprised to learn that it's their smartphone, computer, TV or tablet that is causing the problem.”
Dry eyes in Alberta are common and Umscheid said use of digital devices exacerbates the problem. When people use digital devices they blink less than half as much, he said.
He suggests people position their computers slightly below eye level and at arm's reach. There is also a blue-light blocking film that can be applied to eye glasses, similar to an anti-glare coating.
For those that don't wear glasses, non-prescription glasses with the coating can be worn. Umscheid said the extra coating costs very little or nothing.
Another method is to take a break every 20 minutes to look 20 feet away for 20 seconds, known as the 20-20-20 rule.
“Looking across the room helps a lot,” he said.
A check-up with an optometrist can determine where eye discomfort is coming from, said Umscheid.
“While there's no avoiding digital devices, it's important to remember that digital eye strain can be prevented,” he said. “By educating themselves about digital eye strain, Albertans can save themselves a lot of discomfort and pain.”
Adults with healthy eyes should have their vision checked every two years and seniors need annual eye exams.
