A Modern Issue in a Digital Age
Today, we’re spending more time than ever with our eyes on screens—visiting friends and family over video calls, enjoying our favorite movies and shows, and keeping up to date with the wealth of information at our fingertips. Between laptops, smartphones, tablets, even e-readers, it seems like everywhere you turn, there’s the soft blue glow of a digital device.
The convenience of having a computer in your pocket is undeniable, but is all that screen use causing you eye strain? Arrange a visit with our optometrists to discover how we help!
Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain
Eye strain can present in many different ways. Some of the symptoms to watch for are:
- Sore, tired, burning, or itching eyes
- Watery or dry eyes
- Blurred or double vision
- Headache
- Sore neck, shoulders, or back
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling that you can’t keep your eyes open
Easing Digital Eye Strain
Ergonomics
If you work at a computer, setting up your space effectively and ergonomically can help reduce eye strain:
- Keep your monitor an arm’s length away.
- If you switch between looking at paper documents and a screen, use a document holder to keep them at the same angle and height.
- Make sure your chair supports your back.
- Ensure your lighting is good and there is no glare on your screen.
- Blink frequently to keep your eyes moist.
Self-Care for Your Vision
Be sure to rest your eyes! Giving yourself a break from looking at screens can go a long way to easing your eye strain.
The 20-20-20 rule is simple and effective to implement: take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away.
Some other tips to prevent digital eye strain:
- Improve your air quality. Use a humidifier and make sure there’s no air blowing directly into your eyes.
- Use proper eyewear. Don’t forgo your contacts or glasses when working on the computer.
- Limit your screen time. This is especially important for kids!
Visit Metro EyeCare for Relief
Come in to talk with us about how we can make your time in digital spaces more comfortable for your eyes!
Let us know your lifestyle requirements around screens, what symptoms you’re having, and how severe they are.
We can perform a comprehensive eye exam to ensure your eyes are healthy and provide tips and tools to help ease digital eye strain.
Our Locations
Altoona
- 515-967-4095
- (515) 967-0262
- 1005 8th St SW, Suite A.
- Altoona, IA 50009
Hours
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Ankeny
- 515-964-7355
- (515) 964-8413
- 111 NW 9th St
- Ankeny, IA 50023
Hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Johnston
- 515-270-0494
- (515) 270-6463
- 5501 NW 86th St., Suite 500
- Johnston, IA 50131
Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
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Johnston
- 5501 NW 86th St., Suite 500
- Johnston, IA 50131
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P: 515-270-0494
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Altoona
- 1005 8th St SW, Suite A.
- Altoona, IA 50009
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P: 515-967-4095
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Ankeny
- 111 NW 9th St
- Ankeny, IA 50023
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P: 515-964-7355