Our eyes are spending more time looking at screens than ever before. The average American worker spends 7 hours of their workday on the computer, plus recreational time viewing phones and tablets at home. Viewing a computer or digital screen is different than reading a printed page. The letters on the computer or handheld device are not as sharply defined, the level of contrast of the letters to the background is reduced, and the presence of glare and reflections on the screen may make viewing difficult.  Viewing distances and angles used for computers or phones are different from those commonly used for other reading or writing tasks. As a result, the eye focusing and eye movement requirements for digital screen viewing can place additional demands on the visual system.

Many people experience symptoms of digital eye strain, which include:

• Headaches

• Eyestrain

• Redness or dryness

• Blurry vision

• Neck and Shoulder pain
  
   

These symptoms have a number of underlying causes, which may include:

 

• Lens power not being optimal for computer distance

• Eyes not having enough stamina for prolonged near focusing

• Eye teaming problems

• Glare from the screen

• Uncorrected Astigmatism or farsightedness

Lens Solutions

Luckily, prescription eyewear can be uniquely tailored to your needs to optimize your functioning and relieve strain when viewing digital devices.

Eyezen® and Sync Lenses

These lenses have a focusing boost in the bottom of the lens to reduce eyestrain.  They also have blue light blocking built into the lenses. This improves near vision when using digital devices. The eye doctor customizes these lenses based on how your eyes focus and work together up close.

Office Lenses

An office lens is a special type of multifocal lens designed for the modern-day office worker.   The top of the lens is set at a computer distance, with an extra focusing boost on the bottom for paperwork.  This lens design is great because it gives patients a wider zone to look through than a traditional progressive lens.

Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Your doctor can prescribe blue light glasses that are superior to non-prescription options sold over the counter.  Many people would benefit more from a low-powered lens in addition to just blue light protection.  Our office offers blue light-blocking anti-reflective coating for lenses.

 

Vision Therapy

If an eye teaming problem is the root cause of your computer vision difficulties, vision therapy can help you achieve more comfortable vision. Vision therapy is a series of doctor-supervised eye exercises that improve how your eyes coordinate, focus, and process information.  Vision therapy can be a great solution for people noticing their eyes feel tired after only 20-30 minutes of computer work,

For more on digital eyestrain, contact Vision Rehabilitation Associates at our office in Northfield, Illinois. Call (847) 716-2340 to book an appointment today.