Too Much Screen Time?
There’s so much we can do with digital technology. Whether improving work efficiency or providing hours of entertainment, screens are integral to our daily lives. While there are countless benefits, there are also downsides—including digital eye strain.
Take care of your eyes so you can get back to enjoying a balanced amount of screen time. At Urban Optique & Eyecare, we provide advice and tailored eyewear solutions that can alleviate some of the strain and pressure put on your eyes by digital devices.
Book an appointment with us in Chandler and explore your options to relieve digital eye strain.
What Is Digital Eye Strain?
Digital eye strain (also known as computer vision syndrome) is an eye problem related to how we use and view digital screens. It takes more effort for our eyes to focus on digital screens, from adjusting to rapid movement on screen to squinting due to screen glare.
We typically use digital devices up close and for long hours. As a result, our eyes must maintain intense focus for long periods. Like maintaining a squat or pushup position, our eyes get tired when we don’t let them relax or switch distances.
We also blink differently when viewing digital screens. Instead of a complete blink–where the eyelids fully close–we tend to perform incomplete blinks. As a result, the tear film cannot spread evenly across the eye, leading to dry eyes.
Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain
Digital eye strain can affect your eye comfort, vision, and posture. The symptoms of digital eye strain usually occur after prolonged periods in front of a computer, tablet, television screen, or other device. These symptoms may be relieved after a sufficient break away from screens, but will return quickly once you’re back in front of a device.
Common symptoms include:
- Blurry vision
- Dry eyes
- Eye strain
- Tired eyes
- Headaches
- Neck & shoulder pain
Unfortunately, many people cannot simply avoid screens to alleviate their symptoms. Whether your work involves heavy computer use or you need devices for prompt and frequent communication with family, friends, or coworkers, there are many reasons why screen use isn’t optional. Students may also experience digital eye strain during long study sessions.
As digital devices are becoming more and more integrated into our everyday lives, it’s important to find solutions that support your eyes during screen use, and don’t simply recommend stepping away from screens altogether.
Solutions for Digital Eye Strain
Completely and forever eliminating screen time is an impossible, unwanted ask. Instead, we can help you alleviate symptoms or reduce your recurrence risk. Dr. Simms can recommend or prescribe solutions based on your eye health, lifestyle, and vision needs.
The first and foremost thing you can do to support your eyes is to make sure your prescription is up-to-date. Uncorrected or undercorrected vision problems can be a major contributor to digital eye strain.
In some cases, you may find eyewear specifically designed for computer work, such as computer glasses or anti-fatigue lenses, to be beneficial. Standard eyewear often focuses on distance vision, and wearing customized eyewear for computer work can make a world of difference.
You can also get started by practicing simple, effective at-home techniques for digital eye strain.
Too much digital screen time can exhaust your eyes, and giving them a break can give your eyes a chance to rest and recharge. Try the 20-20-20 rule:
- Every 20 minutes of screen time, take (at least) a 20-second break
- Focus on an object 20 feet away
Changing the focal distance (from close-computer work to a distant object) helps reset your eyes. Your eye muscles and focusing mechanisms shift, helping to relieve the strain of maintaining the same position during screen viewing.
Since we perform incomplete blinks and typically blink less when viewing digital screens, dry eyes are a common symptom of digital eye strain. Artificial tears can add moisture and support the eye’s natural tear film.
Various eye drops are available over the counter, with and without preservatives. Unfortunately, overusing eye drops with preservatives for long periods can have a counterproductive effect, contributing to eye discomfort. Therefore, discussing your at-home eye care with Dr. Simms can help you find an effective solution.
In addition to how long you view your screen, how you view it can significantly affect your comfort. Adjust your screen time setup with ergonomics for the eyes:
- Adjust lighting: Your screen brightness should match the lighting in your environment. Most screens have brightness settings to adapt to your environment, but you may need to turn on lights or adjust your screen brightness manually.
- Avoid glare: Glare can make your eyes work harder, increasing eye strain. Avoid screen glare by cleaning your screen regularly, trying an anti-glare screen filter, or repositioning away from reflective light sources or windows.
- View at arm’s length: Computer monitors should be about 25 inches from your eyes (or about arm’s length). Position phones, tablets, and handheld devices about 16–20 inches away.
Protect Your Eye Comfort
We want to help you feel good about your eyes, from effective vision care to comfortable eye health. If you are experiencing any visual discomfort, let us know during your appointment. We have many solutions available that can be customized to your needs.
Stop suffering from digital eye strain! Book an appointment, and we can discuss how to protect your eye comfort so you can stay focused on your day.
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Protect Your Child’s Vision from Myopia
Myopia, or nearsightedness, can progress rapidly during childhood, leading to a high prescription and significant eye health risks.
We provide myopia management to slow this progression, using methods such as Stellest eyeglass lenses, MiSight soft contact lenses, and Ortho-K Overnight Vision Correction.
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What Our Customers are Saying
My family switched to Urban Optique in 2025 and we are very happy that we did. Dr Simms is professional and caring. She takes her time with patients.
Michelle
I had a fantastic experience at Urban Eyecare! Huge thanks to Dr. Huynh for such a thorough exam and to Varshali for being so incredibly helpful throughout my visit. They both made the process seamless and enjoyable. Highly recommend this team!
Siddharth
I stopped by with a small issue with my glasses, and Emily was wonderful to deal with. She was patient, professional, and genuinely helpful. Left with my glasses fixed and a very positive impression.
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Visit Our Location
Find us in the Chandler Heights Marketplace, next to ToScany’s Coal Oven Pizza. There is plenty of parking available.
Our Address
- 4960 S. Gilbert Rd, Ste 11
- Chandler, AZ 85249
Contact Information
- Phone: 480-802-7170
- Fax: 480-802-3812
- Email: sheryl@drsimms.com
Hours of Operation
Closed from 1:30 to 2:00 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
Our Practice
Eye Exams
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Urban Optique & Eyecare
- 4960 S. Gilbert Rd, Ste 11
- Chandler, AZ 85249
- Phone: 480-802-7170
- Fax: 480-802-3812
- Email: sheryl@drsimms.com