It’s 3:47 PM. You’re halfway through your fifth Zoom call of the day, toggling between spreadsheets and Slack messages while squinting at a screen that feels just a little too bright. Your eyes burn. The words blur. And even though you're just sitting in your Grandview-Woodland apartment or at a café off East Hasting - you feel exhausted. Sound familiar? If your eyes feel dry, strained, or foggy by mid-afternoon, you're not imagining it. Whether you're working remotely, studying online, or just catching up on news during your transit ride down Hastings Street, chances are your screen time is excessive.
Digital eye strain, sometimes called computer vision syndrome, is becoming one of the most common complaints we see at Eye Contacts. The good news? You don’t need to give up your devices. Small shifts in your habits and environment can go a long way toward keeping your eyes comfortable.
1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Give your eyes a break every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This simple practice relaxes your eye muscles and reduces fatigue caused by close-up work. We recommend this rule to every patient, whether they’re working in tech, designing in the studio, or managing spreadsheets from a café on Nanaimo Street.
2. Adjust Your Lighting
Glare and poor lighting are major culprits behind digital eye strain. In Vancouver, where natural light shifts dramatically throughout the day, it’s important to balance screen brightness with your environment. Avoid facing windows directly, and use blinds or anti-glare filters if needed.
3. Check Your Screen Setup
The way your screen is positioned can make a big difference. Your monitor should be about an arm’s length away and slightly below eye level. This setup encourages a more natural gaze and reduces strain on the neck and shoulders. For laptop users or students working from home near Hastings-Sunrise, a simple laptop stand or external keyboard can help mimic a proper desktop setup. If you feel yourself leaning forward or squinting, it’s time to make a few ergonomic tweaks.
4. Consider Blue Light Protection
Blue light from digital screens may not cause permanent eye damage, but it does contribute to fatigue and disrupt sleep patterns. Glasses with blue light filters are a smart solution, even if you don’t need a prescription. Eye Contacts in Vancouver carries a wide range of blue light filtering glasses that combine function with style. Whether you're into bold frames or minimalist designs, our optical team can help you choose lenses that fit your look and your lifestyle.
5. Don’t Skip Your Eye Exams
Digital eye strain can sometimes mask underlying vision problems. You may need glasses or an updated prescription, even if you’ve always seen “fine.” Annual eye exams are especially important if your screen habits have changed, like working more from home or switching to remote learning. Our optometrists offer eye exams tailored to your screen time habits. We’ll assess your vision, check your prescription, and look for signs of dry eye, fatigue, or other common tech-related issues.
Digital Eye Care with a Local Touch
Located in the heart of East Vancouver, Eye Contacts has proudly served the community for over 35 years. Whether you need new glasses, dry eye relief, or a check-up to assess your digital habits, our team is here to help. From Grandview-Woodland to Hastings-Sunrise and beyond, we see patients from all over Vancouver who want better comfort, clearer vision, and fewer screen-related headaches. Book your next eye exam with us and give your eyes the break they deserve.
