Digital Eye Strain | Aurora, Ontario

Support for Tired Eyes

From work meetings to school assignments, we’re all spending more time on screens. And while digital life has its perks, it can take a toll on your eyes.

Digital eye strain is a group of symptoms caused by prolonged screen use. It can affect adults and children alike, especially those who spend multiple hours a day on computers, tablets, or phones.

If you’ve noticed blurry vision, tired eyes, or headaches after screen time, you could be dealing with digital eye strain. But don’t worry, our experienced team is here to help you find relief with personalized solutions.

Make eye discomfort a thing of the past. Schedule an eye exam with us today.

Schedule an Appointment

Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain

Common symptoms of digital eye strain can include:

Blurred or fluctuating vision
Eye fatigue or strain
Headaches, especially around the eyes or temples
Dry, irritated, or watery eyes
Neck and shoulder discomfort from poor posture
Difficulty concentrating

Symptoms often worsen later in the day or after extended screen time, and they can impact your productivity, comfort, and even your sleep.

What Causes Digital Eye Strain?

Digital eye strain is often the result of several small issues adding up throughout the day. Some common causes include:

Uncorrected vision problems, like myopia (nearsightedness) or astigmatism (irregularly shaped cornea), which can make your eyes work harder
Outdated glasses or contacts that aren’t optimized for near tasks like reading or screen work
Poor ergonomics, such as screens that are too high or too low, improper lighting, or chairs that strain your neck
Low blink rate, which leads to dry or irritated eyes during long screen sessions

Even if your vision feels fine, subtle issues can lead to discomfort by the end of the day.

How We Can Help with Digital Eye Strain

If you’re experiencing symptoms of digital eye strain, a comprehensive eye exam is the first step toward relief. We’ll take the time to understand your daily screen habits, work or study environment, and any visual symptoms you’re experiencing. Then, we’ll check your vision and eye health to uncover focusing or alignment problems.

If needed, we can prescribe task-specific glasses that reduce strain during computer work or reading. These may include blue light glasses. For patients who wear contacts, we’ll check to see if their lenses are providing enough support for near vision tasks.

Don’t Overlook Dry Eye as a Factor

Many people experiencing digital eye strain are also dealing with dry eye, which can exacerbate symptoms such as irritation, burning, or fluctuating vision. Staring at screens tends to reduce the frequency of blinking, which can cause tears to evaporate too quickly and leave the eyes feeling gritty or fatigued.

If dry eye is part of your discomfort, we’ll examine your tear film and eye surface during your comprehensive eye exam and recommend treatment that helps restore comfort. This may include eye drops, lifestyle changes, or other dry eye therapies depending on your specific needs.

Everyday Tips to Ease Eye Strain

While personalized care is the most effective approach, there are simple habits you can start using right away to give your eyes a break:

Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

The 20-20-20 rule can help keep your eyes healthy and refreshed.

Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This quick reset helps reduce eye fatigue and reminds you to blink more often.

Consider Blue Light Glasses

Blue light-blocking glasses can help reduce glare and improve contrast, especially in the evening. While blue light isn’t the main cause of digital eye strain, some patients find these lenses helpful for reducing screen-related discomfort or sleep disruption.

Improve Your Ergonomics & Lighting

Your screen should be positioned about an arm’s length away, with the top of the monitor at or just below eye level. Use adjustable chairs and good back support, and reduce glare by adjusting your lighting or adding a matte screen filter.

Soft, ambient lighting is often easier on the eyes than bright overhead lights.

Let’s Help Your Eyes Feel Better

Digital eye strain doesn’t need to be your norm. Our team provides personalized support to meet modern visual demands, allowing you to feel comfortable and focused every day.

Book an eye exam today and give your eyes the care they deserve.

Schedule an Appointment