A Strain in the Eye
Here are the facts: 60–90% of people who use computer screens regularly experience some form of computer vision syndrome.
There are ways you can reduce digital eye strain, and eyeDOCS is happy to help. Find out if your symptoms are caused by digital device use or another reason by booking your next eye exam.
How Digital Eye Strain Feels
Have you ever been sitting at your desk for a long time when you notice your eyes feel tired and puffy? When you see yourself in the mirror, your eyes may also look red.
You may be experiencing digital eye strain.Symptoms of digital eye strain include:
- Headaches
- Strained eyes
- Temporarily blurry vision
- Double vision
- Irritated or tired eyes
- Blinking more frequently
- Extra watery eyes
Preventing the Strain & Staying Comfortable
There are ways you can reduce your digital eye strain at work and at home. If you haven’t had your prescription updated lately, come in for an eye exam at eyeDOCS. Your eyes may feel uncomfortable if they are struggling to see.
Helpful Tips to Reduce Digital Eye Strain
There are a handful of ways you can reduce digital eye strain on your own.
- Remember to blink. We tend to blink less often while in front of a screen, causing our eyes to dry out quicker.
- Take breaks. Give your eyes a rest as often as you can, and get up to stretch your legs! If you’re sitting at your computer for more than 20 minutes, try looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to let your eyes readjust.
- Match the lighting. Looking at a bright white screen in a dark room can cause your eyes to work harder than they need to. Adjust your computer or cell phone screen to match the lighting in the room. Your eyes will thank you.
- Minimize interference. Have a look at your screen. Do you see a window reflected in it, or smudges across the surface? Smudges and glare can reduce visual clarity.
Get comfortable. Office ergonomics can go a long way. Try positioning your screen about an arm’s length away and 20 degrees below eye level. If you are using reference material, try to keep it at eye level to minimize how much you have to move your head.
Blue Light Blocking Lenses
In our world of ever-increasing screen time, blue light blocking lenses can be an effective way to protect your eyes from digital eye strain. These lenses are designed to filter out blue-violet light rays emitted from your phone or computer screen.
If your daily routine includes screen time, talk to your trusted optometrist. We’re happy to provide you with more information about blue light blocking products.
Have an Eye Exam
If you are experiencing digital eye strain symptoms, an eye exam can ensure you have the right prescription lenses to help provide you with visual clarity you need for up close and distance vision.
Book your exam today and talk to an eyeDOCS optometrist about how to alleviate digital eye strain symptoms.
Find A Location In Ottawa
eyeDOCS Barrhaven
Just off the Fallowfield Road exit of Highway 416, we provide eye care for all patients in this area. Services are available in English and French.
- 4100 Strandherd Dr
- Ottawa, ON K2J 0V2
Barrhaven’s Hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Saturdays are open on alternate weeks. Please call or check Google Business profile to verify.
eyeDOCS Kanata
Find us across from the Kanata Research Park and down the street from the Richcraft Recreation Centre. Services are available in English and Spanish.
- 700 March Rd
- Ottawa, ON K2K 2V9
Kanata’s Hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Saturdays are open on alternate weeks. Please call or check Google Business profile to verify.
eyeDOCS Riverside South
In the heart of Riverside South conveniently serving: Manotick, Greely, and Barrhaven. We are happy to treat the surrounding communities for all their optical needs in English or French.
- 4452 Limebank Rd
- Ottawa, ON K1V 2N8
Riverside South’s Hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Saturdays are open on alternate weeks. Please call or check Google Business profile to verify.
eyeDOCS Ottawa
Our flagship office is located in Alta Vista near Billings Bridge Shopping Centre. Services are available in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.
- 1285 Kilborn Ave
- Ottawa, ON K1H 6K9
Ottawa’s Hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
eyeDOCS Westboro
Find us in the heart of the Westboro Village on Richmond Road near the corner of Eden Avenue. We provide services in English, French, Cantonese, and Spanish.
- 298 Richmond Road
- Ottawa, ON K1Z 6X5
Westboro’s Hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
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For about 30% of Canadians, dry eyes are a near-constant irritation. They can happen because the eyes don’t create enough tears or because an imbalance in the tear film causes tears to evaporate too quickly. Whatever the reason, if you’re the one dealing with dry eyes, you probably just want relief. Fortunately, there are options […]
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Get Social With Us
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Westboro
- 298 Richmond Road
- Ottawa, ON K1Z 6X5
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P: 613-725-0816
appointments@eyedocsottawa.com
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Ottawa
- 1285 Kilborn Ave
- Ottawa, ON K1H 6K9
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P: 613-733-8400
appointments@eyedocsottawa.com
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Riverside South
- 4452 Limebank Rd
- Ottawa, ON K1V 2N8
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P: 613-239-5004
appointments@eyedocsottawa.com
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Kanata
- 700 March Rd
- Ottawa, ON K2K 2V9
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P: 613-239-5005
appointments@eyedocsottawa.com
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Barrhaven
- 4100 Strandherd Dr
- Ottawa, ON K2J 0V2
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P: 613-567-5811
appointments@eyedocsottawa.com
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