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Second Chances: The Role Of Optometrists In Eye Care

Hello. My name is Adreana and I am in charge of a second chance school for troubled students. One of the first steps we take upon enrolling students in our program is a health assessment. Whilst the students have a range of learning difficulties and health problems, one particular issue seems to come up regularly. Most of them have never had a proper eye check. Our school now works with an optometrist and I am amazed by the number of undiagnosed eyesight problems our students have. Whilst most simply end up with prescription glasses, one student actually had cataracts! My appreciation of the role of optometrists in ensuring eye health has increased greatly. I have started this blog to share my knowledge about eye problems and how optometrists help. I hope you find something of interest.

 

Second Chances: The Role Of Optometrists In Eye Care

Dealing with Eyestrain Caused By Digital Devices

17 March 2017
 Categories: , Blog

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The modern world is full of digital devices. It is not uncommon for people to spend many hours a day looking at computer screens in the office, tablets at home and mobile phones when on the move. All of this screen time can have a significant impact on the health of your eyes. Below is a guide which will help you to understand and combat the effects of eyestrain.

The Impact of Digital Eyestrain

Digital eyestrain is a relatively new phenomenon, and optometrists are still trying to understand its exact causes and any possible long-term effects. However, the symptoms of digital eye strain are well known. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from digital eye strain.

  • Dry eyes
  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Bloodshot eyes

4 Ways of Combating Digital Eyestrain

Invest in Eyewear

Because the pixels which make up images on a digital device do not offer the same definition as traditional printed text, it can put your eyes under additional strain. One way of combating this is to have prescription glasses fitted. Prescription glasses will allow your eyes to focus on the digital screens you use on a daily basis.

Improve Your Habits

If you are suffering from eyestrain, you should try to change your habits to improve the situation. You should monitor the amount of time you spend looking at a screen and take regular breaks in which you get away from the device and stop looking at the screen.

Change the Lighting

The lighting in the room in which you are using a digital screen can have a big impact on the level of digital eye strain you experience. If there is a lot of background light, it can create a glare on the screen of the device you are using, causing you to strain your eyes to see what is being displayed. You should try to position the screen so it is at a right angle to any light source rather than directly in front of or behind a window or lamp, as this will help to reduce the level of reflection on your screen.

Adjust the Display Settings

A simple search online will provide instructions on how you can change the display settings on your device to allow for easier viewing and reduced eye strain. 

If you would like further advice on how to avoid eye strain when using digital devices, you should contact an optometrist today.