Digital Eye Strain in Burlington

Book Online

Screen-Based Strain

What does your technology do for you? Today, we can order dinner, buy concert tickets, chat with friends, play games, and even work, all from any device with a screen. Smartphones, gaming consoles, computers, and tablets make our lives more convenient.

But, there are some drawbacks to increased screen time. It’s almost impossible to get away from our devices and as a result, many Canadians suffer from discomfort related to digital eye strain.

Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, refers to a group of ocular issues stemming from too much time spent using digital devices.

If you’re experiencing eye discomfort after staring at your screen, we can help. We’ll assess your screen habits and provide some strategies to mitigate your discomfort.

Book an appointment to find relief from digital eye strain today.

Book Online

Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain

There are a few common symptoms associated with digital eye strain, including:

  • Dry eyes
  • Headaches
  • Eye strain
  • Blurry vision
  • Neck and shoulder pain

Often, symptoms will alleviate when you take a screen break. But, discomfort will return once you’re in front of a digital device again. To find relief in the long-term, you’ll need to implement some mitigation strategies.

It’s also important to visit your optometrist to ensure there is not a more serious, underlying condition.

Book Online

Mitigation Strategies

Adjusting your work area, taking intentional screen breaks, and ensuring you have sufficient lighting while using your digital device are all strategies that help reduce digital eye strain.

Ergonomics

Office ergonomics and proper posture can help you stay comfortable while using digital devices. While you’re at your desk, be sure to sit upright with your feet flat on the floor. Your shoulders should not be rounded or hunched and your neck should align with your torso.

Keep devices at eye level and your keyboard and mouse near enough to prevent reaching.

If you’re reading on your digital device, increase the font size to minimize squinting. Contrast and colour tones should also be set to maximize your comfort.

The light levels around you and on your device can prevent digital eye strain. Turn down your screen’s brightness to match the lighting levels of your surroundings. If the light from the room is reflecting in your screen, the glare can also contribute to eye strain.

Anti-glare screens are available for your device’s display, and glasses with an anti-reflective coating can help.

When you’re concentrating on your work, it might be challenging to take a break, but following the 20-20-20 rule can help relax your eyes. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps give your eyes refocus, reducing strain.

Kids & Digital Eye Strain

Adults use screens frequently, but they’re creeping into kids' lives too. Studies show that the risk of children developing visual issues increases after 2–4 hours of screen time.

The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends that children avoid screen time 1 hour before bedtime and never bring a screen into their bedrooms. Breaks should be encouraged frequently when kids are using screens, particularly outdoor breaks for whole-body physical activity.

Children should have regular, comprehensive eye exams to ensure the health of their vision, regardless of their screen time.

Book their appointment today!

Book Online

Where to Find Us

Find us next to Shoppers Drug Mart on Appleby Line in north Burlington.

Our Address

  • 2080 Appleby Line
  • Burlington, Ontario L7L 6M6

Contact Information

*We are open Monday – Saturday for eye examination appointments.

Book Online

Our Brands

Crisp, clear vision starts with a great pair of eyeglasses.

Browse our selection of handpicked brands ranging from the most popular in the world to the unique and independent. Our optical team will be happy to help pair you with glasses perfectly suited to your look thanks to our staggering selection of colours, materials, and styles.

Visit us today and see the world differently.

Our Blogs

Let’s Talk Contacts

Uncategorized

For me, contact lenses spell FREEDOM. Free from a frame’s pressure on my nose and temples, free from any distortions in my peripheral vision, and freedom from any minification or magnification effect that comes along with the optics of a spectacle lens. A well fitted and comfortable lens is an ahhhhh moment for many of […]

Read More…

June 5, 2023
Dr. Patricia Fink

Let there be light!

Uncategorized

With the warmer weather coming our way and SUNSHINE, we are all looking for our shades. Sunglasses are by far the most exciting things in the spectacle world…they can be fun, they can be classy, they can be absolutely CRAZY. We all know that sunglasses are the sunscreen for your eyes. They protect those beautiful […]

Read More…

May 12, 2023
Dr. Patricia Fink

How are you approaching your health?

Uncategorized

This is interesting to me as it truly reflects each individual’s value system. Are you willing to invest in preventative health care or are you committed to only treating it when it hurts badly enough or affects your activities of daily living? Healthcare is changing drastically and our tried and trusted OHIP system is now […]

Read More…

April 14, 2023
Dr. Patricia Fink

For me, contact lenses spell FREEDOM. Free from a frame’s pressure on my nose and temples, free from any distortions in my peripheral vision, and freedom from any minification or magnification effect that comes along with the optics of a spectacle lens. A well fitted and comfortable lens is an ahhhhh moment for many of […]

Read More…

With the warmer weather coming our way and SUNSHINE, we are all looking for our shades. Sunglasses are by far the most exciting things in the spectacle world…they can be fun, they can be classy, they can be absolutely CRAZY. We all know that sunglasses are the sunscreen for your eyes. They protect those beautiful […]

Read More…

This is interesting to me as it truly reflects each individual’s value system. Are you willing to invest in preventative health care or are you committed to only treating it when it hurts badly enough or affects your activities of daily living? Healthcare is changing drastically and our tried and trusted OHIP system is now […]

Read More…

instagram facebook facebook2 pinterest twitter google-plus google linkedin2 yelp youtube phone location calendar share2 link star-full star star-half chevron-right chevron-left chevron-down chevron-up envelope fax