Diminishing the Digital Impact

The fatigue effect following long sessions on a computer or digital device is known in optometry as digital eye strain. Also known as computer vision syndrome (CVS), this modern eye condition is related to uninterrupted sessions staring at a backlit display. Our devices are increasingly becoming the way we stay connected, but some strategies can help you manage the visual stress of constant digital screen exposure.

Visit us at LaFerla Family Eye Care for a comprehensive eye exam to assess your digital eye strain. We can build a game plan for your visual relief!

The Symptoms of CVS

Try to notice a pattern if your vision is feeling strained throughout the week. Your discomfort could be related to overexposure to screens. Digital eye strain can be characterized by the following symptoms:

Dry eyes
Headaches
Eye fatigue
Blurred Vision
Neck pain

Digital Eye Strain Best Practices

An eye exam at our practice can help determine the cause and severity of your symptoms, but you can try some strategies at home to help yourself. If vision discomfort persists, please schedule an appointment so we can treat you professionally.

Healthy Posture for Your Vision

Poor posture can impact your eye comfort. Your eyes will notice a difference when you maintain proper posture at your desk. Your computer screen should be at eye level, within arm’s length (between 16 to 30 inches). Find a desk about 30 inches tall and set your computer screen to an 80-degree angle.

Keep your chair height about 16 to 20 inches off the ground. If it feels uncomfortable to sit up straight, try using a footrest. Difficulty seeing your screen with proper posture is a strong indication that you need an eye exam.

The 20-20-20 Rule

The 20-20-20 rule is a really simple strategy to reset your eyes that you can do any place and at any time of the day.

Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. That’s it! So take 20 seconds after reading this webpage.

Let Your Smartphone Be Smart

Most cell phones and tablets have a dark mode or night setting that limits the blue light it emits. These features can normally be set to turn on at a certain hour of the day or can be put into an automatic mode.

Learn how to use dark mode on Apple devices here.

Learn how to use night mode on Android devices here.

Consider Blocking Blue Light

Almost all backlit digital screens emit blue light waves. This frequency of light waves has been shown to affect sleeping patterns in a negative way and may be a contributor to digital eye strain. Even if you don’t need prescription eyewear, there may be advantages to wearing blue-light-blocking glasses during extended periods in front of a digital screen.

At LaFerla Family Eye Care, we can add a blue-light-blocking coating to virtually all our lenses. If you suffer from digital eye strain, let us get ahead of the symptoms with a modern visual aid.

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Our Location

Wanna see what we are all about?

Located right off of NW Barry Rd in Kansas City, our office is a balance between clinical, high tech, high fashion, and your friend’s cozy living room.

Where to park?

LaFerla Family Eye Care is located right across the street from Park Hill High School in Kansas City. There is ample of parking right in front of the entrance of our establishment.