Digital Eye Strain and Myopia: Managing Screen Time

The digital age has brought undeniable convenience, but it's also introduced new challenges for our eyes. Spending extended periods in front our smartphones, computers, or tablets can lead to digital eye strain and contribute to the development of myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness. At StylEyes in West Des Moines, IA, we provide eye exams to learn more about your eye health and treatment to reduce any uncomfortable symptoms.

Understanding Digital Eye Strain and Myopia

Digital eye strain refers to the uncomfortable symptoms that occur due to prolonged screen use. These symptoms can include blurry vision, headaches, dry eyes, and neck pain.

Myopia, on the other hand, is an eye condition where distant objects appear blurry while close-up objects are clear. In addition to blurry vision, it can cause eye strain, headaches, and the need to squint to see items clearly.

Managing Screen Time for Healthy Vision

There are steps you can take to manage your screen time and protect your eye health. Some steps our optometrists recommend include:

•           The 20-20-20 rule: Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away. This method allows your eyes to relax and refocus.

•           Adjust screen brightness and contrast: Reduce brightness and adjust contrast for a more comfortable viewing experience.

•           Increase font size: Make the text on your digital devices larger to make reading easier.

•           Use blue light filters: Consider using blue light filters on your devices, especially in the evening, as blue light can disrupt sleep patterns.

•           Schedule regular eye exams: Regular eye exams with our optometrists are crucial for monitoring your eye health and detecting any potential problems early.

Treatment for Myopia

After an eye exam, our optometrists will suggest the necessary treatment that can help you manage myopia. Some of these treatments include the following:

•           Eyeglasses or contact lenses: Glasses and contacts can correct refractive errors and improve your vision.

•           Orthokeratology: This specialized treatment involves wearing rigid gas permeable lenses overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily, reducing your dependence on glasses or contacts during the day.

•           Myopia control lenses: These specially designed lenses may help slow down the progression of myopia in children.

Contact us for an Appointment Today

Don't let digital eye strain or myopia impact your quality of life. Contact StylEyes in West Des Moines, IA, at (515) 225-6447 to schedule an eye exam with one of our optometrists. We can provide comprehensive eye exams, discuss personalized treatment options, and help you manage your screen time for optimal eye health. When you need an optometrist near me, we are happy to assist you!