Adapting to a Digital World

Digital eye strain is common in today’s world full of smartphones, laptops, widescreen TVs, and VR headsets. The more time we spend immersed in digital screens, the harder our eyes have to work—whether we know it or not.

Digital devices have made our lives infinitely easier in work and leisure, but it’s essential to recognize their effect on our health. Attending regular comprehensive eye exams will ensure you are adopting the right habits to benefit your overall health and lifestyle.

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What is Digital Eye Strain?

When we spend too long in front of digital screens, our eyes and body can begin to feel tired and sore. Even if you have perfect vision, spending too long focusing on something can give you a headache. It’s important to visit your optometrist to ensure you’re following the right usage recommendations for your eyes and lifestyle.

If you have uncorrected refractive errors, like myopia or hyperopia, focusing on digital devices can make your eyes work harder than they need to. It’s essential to wear the right corrective eyewear if you need them to comfortably perform normal daily activities.

Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain

If you spend long periods using digital devices and begin to experience some discomfort, you may have digital eye strain. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Sore, tired, burning, or itching eyes
Overly watery or dry eyes
Blurred or double vision
Headache
Sore neck, shoulders, or upper back
Increased sensitivity to light
Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty keeping your eyes open

Preventing Digital Eye Strain

Many factors play a part in your overall comfort and ability to work for extended amounts of time, like how long you use digital devices, the distance from your eyes to the screen, the setup of your workstation, and the lighting in your work area.

Awareness of your habits and what may be detrimental to your comfort and health is important. Some great tips to reduce your risk of digital eye strain are:

Keep any screens about an arm’s length away from your eyes and 20 degrees below eye level.
Set colour and contrast tones to suit your eyes and match your screen’s brightness with your surroundings.
Minimize any glare on your screen by angling your screen away from light sources or using an anti-glare screen protector.
Keep your screen clean and free of any dust, dirt, or fingerprints.
Remember to blink or use artificial tears to return moisture to your eyes.

Another great tip to use is the 20-20-20 rule, which recommends taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to focus on something 20 feet away. This gives your eyes a much-needed break and allows them to refocus.

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Super friendly service. Cleanliness and sterilization routines were impeccable! You will feel 100% safe and comfortable here. They also have very modern and numerous pieces of equipment to assure that every aspect of your eye care is investigated thoroughly!

Ron D.

Outstanding practice! Dr. Shaun MacInnis has totally re-vamped this facility with the most advanced technologies in eye care and vision needs. Extremely professional, knowledgeable and courteous staff. I highly recommend Brittany, a tremendous optician, who is sure to provide you with excellent service for all of your eyewear needs! She is superior in her field! Well Done Island Eyecare!

Elizabeth M.

Professional courteous staff, took the time to explain and answer questions. Very thorough examination and use of the latest technologies to support the doctor.

Alan A.

It’s always a great experience going to Island Eyecare. Shaun and staff are extremely knowledgeable and always great to deal with! Shout out to Jessica who made my visit today a little brighter with her awesome personality and helpfulness 🙂

Deanna H.

Loved my experience. The inside was completely made over, which completely blew me away. The staff were extremely helpful and up to date with the latest trends and technologies. The eye care professional was professional and very thorough.

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I had a great experience at Island Eyecare today. The very informed staff were able to assist me in getting exactly what I wanted and needed in a pair of glasses. Exceptional customer service! Thank you!

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Our Location in Sydney

Find us at 117 Welton Street in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on the corner of Welton Street and Spruce Street. Our office is just down from the Sydney Memorial Chapel and next to Air Liquide Canada Store. There is ample free parking in our parking lot next to the building.