Digital Eye Strain Solutions in Peoria & Washington

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Find Comfortable Vision in the Digital Age

It’s no secret that we all depend on our digital devices to make it throughout our day-to-day. Whether we’re calling, emailing, texting, or playing, these devices are crucial for connecting with the world and getting our work done.

However, overuse of these devices can lead to visual discomfort, otherwise known as digital eye strain. But our team can help you find relief! Our optometrists are trained in a range of digital eye strain relief techniques to help you get back to using your devices comfortably.

If you’re struggling with digital eye strain, please book an appointment to see our team today!

What Can Cause Digital Eye Strain?

Despite the name, digital eye strain isn’t caused by the digital screens themselves; it’s usually caused by focusing on an up-close object for too long. Focusing on one thing for too long can reduce how often you blink, leading to discomfort. One of the significant factors in looking at screens is a reduced blink rate. Your normal blink rate is 15-20 times a minute. While looking at screens and reading your blink rate drops to 3 or 4. This increases evaporation and makes it harder to maintain your normal tear film.

Some common digital eye strain symptoms include:

  • Trouble focusing and concentrating
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Dry eyes
  • Blurry vision
  • Light sensitivity
  • Neck and shoulder pain

Blue Light: What Role Does it Play?

Blue light comes from various sources, including your device, but the largest source of blue light comes from the sun. Because of this, your body uses blue light to control your circadian rhythm and help your body differentiate day and night.

Blue light was originally thought to be the cause of digital eye strain. However, recent studies have suggested that blue light correlates with sleep deprivation more than digital eye strain. According to research, using a digital device before going to bed can make it harder to fall asleep as your brain interprets the blue light signals as daytime. Experts recommend to stop using devices two hours before bedtime.

Our Solutions

The 20-20-20 Rule

The 20-20-20 rule is a common practice to alleviate digital eye strain and help you get back to the task at hand. For every 20 minutes of work, spend 20 seconds looking at something about 20 feet away. This will give your eyes a chance to rest and blink.

Where you position yourself at your desk can have an impact on your eye comfort. Some tips include:

  • Keeping your monitor about an arm’s length away and slightly below your line of sight.
  • Adjusting your seat so that your knees are about level with your hips.
  • Keeping your hands and wrists level with your elbows.

Artificial tears, or eye drops, are an easy and effective way to manage digital eye strain symptoms. Please consult your optometrist before purchasing any over-the-counter eye drops.

Find Relief Today & Book Your Appointment

Digital eye strain is not only uncomfortable; it can keep you from enjoying the devices you love. Please, have our team help you find relief and book your appointment today.

Book Your Appointment

Our Locations

Peoria

Find us just south of the Sheridan & Glen intersection, on the same side of the road as Marco’s Pizza and across the street from Walgreens.

Contact Information

Phone: 309.670.2020
Fax: 309.693.2536

Address

4727 N Sheridan Road
Peoria, IL 61614

Hours

Monday
8 AM5 PM
Tuesday
8 AM5 PM
Wednesday
9 AM5 PM
Thursday
8 AM5 PM
Friday
8 AM5 PM
Saturday
8 AM12 PM
Sunday
Closed

Find us just south of the Sheridan & Glen intersection, on the same side of the road as Marco’s Pizza and across the street from Walgreens.

Contact Information

Phone: 309.670.2020
Fax: 309.693.2536

Address

4727 N Sheridan Road
Peoria, IL 61614

Hours

Monday
8 AM5 PM
Tuesday
8 AM5 PM
Wednesday
9 AM5 PM
Thursday
8 AM5 PM
Friday
8 AM5 PM
Saturday
8 AM12 PM
Sunday
Closed

Washington

You can find our office on North Cummings Lane, right next door to Rock Valley Physical Therapy. We offer plenty of parking in front of our clinic with accessible parking stalls.

Contact Information

Phone: 309.670.2020
Fax: 309.444.7863

Address

1009 North Cummings Lane
Washington, IL 61571

Hours

Monday
9 AM5 PM
Tuesday
9 AM5 PM
Wednesday
9 AM5 PM
Thursday
9 AM5 PM
Friday
8:30 AM12 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Closed for lunch 12-1pm

You can find our office on North Cummings Lane, right next door to Rock Valley Physical Therapy. We offer plenty of parking in front of our clinic with accessible parking stalls.

Contact Information

Phone: 309.670.2020
Fax: 309.444.7863

Address

1009 North Cummings Lane
Washington, IL 61571

Hours

Monday
9 AM5 PM
Tuesday
9 AM5 PM
Wednesday
9 AM5 PM
Thursday
9 AM5 PM
Friday
8:30 AM12 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Closed for lunch 12-1pm

Our Services

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