Digital Eye Strain in Alberta

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Understanding Digital Eye Strain

As digital devices become increasingly integral to our daily lives, the prevalence of digital eye strain has also risen. Commonly referred to as computer vision syndrome, this condition occurs when prolonged use of digital screens such as computers, smartphones, and tablets leads to various uncomfortable symptoms. 

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How Does Digital Eye Strain Happen?

Digital eye strain occurs from prolonged screen use, which strains eye muscles by reducing blinking and exposing them to glare and blue light. These factors lead to symptoms such as discomfort, blurry vision, and headaches, to name a few. Breaks and preventative measures like the ones we’ll describe below are vital for maintaining eye health.

Recognizing Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain

Digital eye strain manifests through a range of symptoms, including:

  • Eye Discomfort: Gritty sensation, dryness, burning, or irritation in the eyes
  • Blurry Vision: Visual clarity may decrease, particularly after extended screen use
  • Eye Fatigue: Feeling tired or strained eyes, often accompanied by headaches
  • Difficulty Focusing: Trouble maintaining focus when shifting between screens and other tasks
  • Neck and Shoulder Pain: Poor posture and screen positioning can lead to discomfort

Preventing Digital Eye Strain

There are several steps you can take to help minimize digital eye strain.

Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away to relax your eye muscles.

Position your screen at eye level and about 20 to 24 inches away from your eyes.

Avoid glare and reflections on your screen by positioning lighting appropriately.

Blinking helps keep your eyes moist and reduce dryness. Consciously blink more often.

Simple eye exercises (side-to-side, up and down) can help improve focus and alleviate strain.

Many patients find that options that reduce the amount of blue light entering into the eye can reduce digital eye strain.  We can discuss and recommend specific options with you as part of your comprehensive eye exam.

Digital Eye Strain & Dry Eye Connection

It’s important to note that digital eye strain can exacerbate the symptoms of dry eye. Staring at screens often leads to reduced blinking frequency, contributing to tear evaporation and discomfort. Dry eye symptoms, such as irritation and redness, can intensify when combined with prolonged screen time.

Taking Action for Your Eye Health

We understand the impact of digital eye strain on your well-being. Our experienced teams across Alberta can help you manage digital eye strain and address any underlying dry eye issues. By customizing a treatment plan tailored to your needs, we aim to restore your visual comfort and quality of life. 

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Our Locations

We are proud to be the local, independent optometrist in the Ponoka, Lacombe, Blackfalds, Hanna, and Coronation communities. Vision For Life Eyecare is also a member of Eye Recommend and is dedicated to personalized and comprehensive eye care.

Ponoka Eye Care

You can find us at the corner of 51 Avenue and 52 Street, right across from the Ponoka RCMP station. 

  • 5120 51 Avenue
  • Ponoka, AB T4J 1R7

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Lacombe Vision Centre

You can find us just off Hwy 2A on 49b Avenue, behind Leto’s restaurant, across the street from MNP and Doc Braces.

  • 4716 49b Ave Unit 1
  • Lacombe, AB T4L 1K2

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Blackfalds Eye Care

We are located on Parkwood Road near Highway Street, between Sandstone IDA Pharmacy and Resolve Bar and Grill. 

  • 5013 Parkwood Road, #4
  • Blackfalds, AB T0M 0J0

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Hanna Vision Centre

You can find us on the corner of 2 Avenue W. and 5 Street W., with plenty of parking available around the building.

  • 609, 2nd Avenue W (Kral Professional Building)
  • Hanna, AB T0J 1P0

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Coronation Vision Clinic

You can find us on Municipal Road, right across from the Coronation Hospital and Care Centre, with plenty of parking in front of the building.

  • 5002 – Municipal Road
  • Coronation, AB T0C 1C0

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Preventative Strategies to Promote Lifetime Visual Health

Eye disease can come in many forms, and we use innovative diagnostic technology to help detect, manage, and treat different forms of eye disease, such as glaucoma and diabetic eye disease.

We aim to preserve your long-term eye health through early detection and early treatment. Eye diseases can be overwhelming to manage—we want to help.

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Yours to Preserve, Protect, & Cherish, & We’ll Do the Rest

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