Many people in Edmonton spend most of the workday looking at a computer, then relax in the evening with a phone or tablet. By late afternoon, eyes can feel tired, dry, or sore, and vision may blur for a short time after looking away from the screen. This pattern is often called digital eye strain. It is common, and in many cases simple changes to habits and your workspace can make screen time more comfortable.
What Is Digital Eye Strain?
Digital eye strain describes a group of eye and vision symptoms linked to long periods of screen use. It is not a single condition. Symptoms can come from focusing at one distance for a long time, blinking less often while concentrating, glare on the screen, poor lighting, or an outdated glasses prescription. Screens also sit at different distances and angles than printed pages, so your eyes and neck work in different ways.
Common Signs to Notice
Signs can include tired or aching eyes, dryness, burning, or watering, and blurred vision that clears after a break. Some people get headaches around the forehead or temples, or notice neck and shoulder soreness from leaning toward the screen. Children can have similar signs. A child may rub their eyes, lose interest in reading or homework, or complain of headaches after screen time. If symptoms happen often, keep a short note of when they occur and what you were doing. That note can be helpful at an eye exam.
Simple Habits That Can Help
The 20-20-20 idea is a useful reminder to rest your focusing muscles: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for about 20 seconds. Blinking fully and often helps spread tears across the surface of the eye. Try to position your screen slightly below eye level and about an arm’s length away, increase text size so you are not squinting, and reduce glare by adjusting lighting or moving away from a bright window. Regular breaks away from the desk, even for a few minutes, can also help. If you wear contact lenses, your eyes may feel drier during long screen sessions, so ask about lens care and wearing time at your appointment.
When an Eye Exam Can Help
Sometimes eye strain is a sign that your prescription has changed, or that your eyes are not working together as comfortably as they should. Dry eye, astigmatism, and other eye health concerns can also make screen use harder. A comprehensive eye exam can check your prescription, eye health, focusing, and eye coordination. At Infinite Eyecare in Mill Woods, Edmonton, we can discuss your work setup, screen hours, and symptoms, and explain options that fit your needs, which may include updated glasses for everyday use or for computer work.
Book an Eye Exam in Mill Woods
Infinite Eyecare is located at 4275 23 Ave NW, Mill Woods, Edmonton. We offer direct billing to most major insurers. Eye exams for children under 19 and seniors are covered by Alberta Health Care. If your eyes feel tired or sore after screen time most days, or if headaches or blurred vision keep returning, consider booking a comprehensive eye exam. To book, call Infinite Eyecare at 780-425-0003.
