A Clearer View

Latest treatment options and news about cataracts, dry eye syndrome and other eye care topics.

3 Serious Vision Problems that Often Come with Aging

by Damion Wasylow 16 September 2022 11:12 AM

group of senior citizens smiling together outside
As we age, our vision naturally declines to some degree, but three common eye conditions, in particular, can cause serious vision problems for older adults. Let’s explore three vision problems that are commonly found in aging adults.

1. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the optic nerve due to abnormally high pressure in the eye. While it can affect people of all ages, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in adults over age 60.

Vision loss caused by glaucoma is irreversible, and if left untreated, can cause blindness, so it’s important to get regular eye exams that measure eye pressure to catch glaucoma early on. 

Symptoms

The symptoms of glaucoma depend on the particular type of glaucoma and how far it has progressed. Common symptoms include:

  • Patchy blind spots in your central or peripheral vision
  • Tunnel vision (in more advanced stages)
  • Eye pain
  • Severe headaches
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Blurry vision
  • Redness and irritation 

Treatment

Treatment for glaucoma involves lowering the pressure in the eye to prevent further damage. The most common treatments for this condition include:

  • Eyedrops
  • Oral medications
  • Surgery

Your eye doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, including eating a healthy diet, sleeping with your head elevated, limiting your caffeine and staying active.

2. Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration, or ARMD, is an eye condition that occurs when the macula, a part of the retina, is damaged. It’s is the leading cause of vision loss in people over age 50. 

There are two types of ARMD:

  • Dry: Most people who have ARMD have the dry type. As you age, your macula gets thinner while a type of protein called drusen builds up. Vision loss is slow.
  • Wet: Although less common, the wet type of AMD is much more serious. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels start growing under the retina. Vision loss progresses much more quickly with this type of AMD.

Symptoms

  • Common symptoms of AMD include:
  • Blurry vision
  • Loss of central vision
  • Blind spots at the center of vision
  • Difficulty seeing fine details, such as fine print

Treatment

Currently, there is no permanent treatment for dry AMD. In early stages of dry ARMD, however, treatment may include low vision rehabilitation, which is designed to help you compensate for loss of central vision by adapting to better leverage your peripheral vision. 

3. Cataracts

Caused by clouding of the eye lens, cataracts are another common condition in older adults, occurring in more than half of adults over age 80

Cataracts develop slowly over time, and will eventually cause vision loss.

Symptoms

  • Common signs and symptoms of cataracts include:
  • Clouded or blurry vision
  • Sensitivity to light or seeing halos around lights
  • Poor night vision
  • Double vision in one eye

Treatment

Initially, prescription glasses can help keep your vision clear. Eventually, the condition will progress to the point where surgery is necessary.

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the world and one of the safest, and it’s the only effective treatment for cataracts.

Regular visits with your ophthalmologist and comprehensive eye exams can help detect these three serious eye conditions early, allowing for proactive treatment to maintain your sight.

For your next eye exam, trust the experts at North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care. Our talented and experienced staff have helped thousands of aging adults, and we would be honored to help you, too.

Contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300.

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Overcoming Cataract Surgery Fears

by Damion Wasylow 7 August 2022 11:18 AM

eye doctor consulting with vision patient
More than 24 million Americans over age 40 have cataracts and surgery is the only effective treatment. The idea of having surgery, however, can be a little scary for some, particularly for patients who may be concerned about possible pain or the risks of undergoing a sensitive medical procedure.

Thankfully, cataract surgery is among the safest, most pain-free and most effective surgeries in the world.

The Safety and Efficacy of Cataract Surgery

While all surgeries carry some degree of risk, cataract surgery is very low risk. More than four million cataract surgeries are performed every year in the United States, and the results are overwhelmingly positive.

A study of 221,000 cataract surgeries found no serious complications after the procedure for 99.5% of patients, ranking it among the safest surgical procedures. And the Cleveland Clinic found 90% of cataract procedures successfully improve vision. Best of all, the benefits of cataract surgery are permanent. Once removed, your cataracts cannot return.

Procedure and Recovery: What to Expect

Cataract surgery should only be performed by a skilled and experienced ophthalmologist.

The process starts with a consultation to evaluate your symptoms and the cataract’s progression. If surgery is the best course of action, the next step is to determine whether traditional or laser-assisted surgery is the right choice for you.

With laser-assisted procedures, special software is used first to map the contours and structure of the patient’s eye. The surgeon then uses a laser to create tiny, precise incisions in the cornea. With a traditional procedure, the ophthalmologist makes these incisions by hand.

In either approach, a small probe is then inserted through the incision to create ultrasonic waves that break up the lens. Once the cataract-affected lens has been broken down into tiny pieces, those pieces are suctioned out and a new artificial lens implant is inserted and positioned.

The whole procedure takes just a few minutes to complete. 

Better Results with Laser-Assisted Procedures

While traditional cataract surgery is already safe and effective, laser-assisted cataract surgery can often offer even better outcomes, reducing side effects and improving recovery times. 

Laser-assisted surgical systems, such as LenSx®, can help remove cataracts using half the ultrasonic energy required by a traditional procedure. This produces a lower risk of inflammation and near-immediate improvements in vision. It can also mean a completely pain-free recovery with very few or no side effects.

If you or someone you love may need cataract surgery, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care. Our talented eye surgery team will gladly answer any and all questions and address any specific concerns you may have. And, when the time is right for your surgery, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing you’re in the hands of specialists who have performed tens of thousands of successful cataract surgeries.

Call us today at 352-373-4300 to schedule your consultation.

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Child Struggling in School? Vision Problems May be to Blame

by Damion Wasylow 7 August 2022 11:08 AM

child getting a comprehensive eye exam
Unsure why your child’s struggling in the classroom? It could very well be vision issues. Nationwide, an estimated 175,000 preschoolers have common, yet untreated, vision problems, and 95% of first grade non-readers have significant vision issues. These challenges can continue for years, stifling children’s learning and frustrating children, parents and teachers alike.

Evidence of Undiagnosed Vision Disorders Leading to Poor Academic Performance

A study of kindergarten and first grade students found a strong correlation between poor vision and poor performance on standardized tests. Another study, this time of seventh graders, confirmed the ongoing impact of poor vision, finding that non-proficient readers at this age were much more likely to suffer from poor vision.

The data all points to this: if a child has poor vision, they’ll be less proficient in reading and more likely to underachieve at all levels of academics compared to their peers. Vision and the ability to confidently participate in class are critical for a child to excel in school at any age. 

With vision problems being so common, it’s important that every child receives a comprehensive eye exam going into the school year. 

Downsides of Poor Vision in School

Vision plays a crucial role in learning. Children may have multiple undiagnosed vision issues, such as challenges with eye tracking, eye teaming, depth perception and hand-eye coordination. Any of these issues can negatively impact a child’s school performance due to:

  • Inability to read the chalkboard, whiteboard or slideshows
  • Difficulty reading worksheets, assignments and books
  • Issues focusing on computer or laptop screens
  • Headaches or other issues when reading
  • Issues participating in hand-eye coordination activities, such as those experienced during recess

Poor vision also makes children feel discouraged in the classroom. Children with undetected vision problems often shy away from raising their hand or presenting in front of the classroom. Over the long-term, a child may fall drastically behind on their coursework, making it almost impossible to reach the same academic level as their peers. 

At North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care we offer complete eye care for the whole family, including comprehensive eye exams for children and teens, to help ensure your child’s vision never has a negative impact on their education.

Contact us today at 352-373-4300 to schedule your child’s eye exam and set them up for success in this school year and beyond.

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Sunburned Eyes Are a Real Risk of Summer Sun

by Damion Wasylow 30 June 2022 11:10 AM

woman in sunglasses posing on colorful deck
The summer sun is here. And while we all want to get out and enjoy the outdoors, be it a day at the beach or a walk in the park, there’s a hidden risk that most people don’t consider: sunburned eyes, also known as photokeratitis.

What is Photokeratitis?

Photokeratitis is a condition that typically occurs when ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun damage the eyes. The condition is often painful, much like a sunburn of the skin. However, with photokeratitis, it’s your corneas that get burned. 

Summer sun isn’t the only potential cause of photokeratitis, it can also be caused by laser lights, electric sparks, arc welding and even tanning beds. And, in snowy regions, it’s not uncommon to see cases of photokeratitis resulting from sun rays reflecting off the snow.

Photokeratitis Symptoms, Treatment and Risks

The symptoms that you experience from photokeratitis can include one or a combination of the following:

  • Blurry vision
  • Eye redness
  • Eye pain
  • Light sensitivity
  • Halos
  • Headaches
  • Eyelid twitching
  • Swollen eyes
  • Watery or teary eyes

In rare cases, you may also experience temporary vision loss or even vision color changes. Thankfully, most symptoms are short-lived, lasting only six to 24 hours before they subside. Almost all symptoms should dissipate within 48 hours.

Relieving discomfort in the short term is possible using Motrin or Advil. You can also apply a cold cloth to your eyes or use artificial eye drops. In severe cases, your eye doctor may determine that you’re at risk of an eye infection, requiring prescription eye drops.

Repeated exposure to elevated levels of UV-A and UV-B rays can cause both short-term and long-term eye damage. People who frequently expose their eyes to UV rays risk accelerated development of serious eye conditions including macular degeneration and cataracts.

Photokeratitis and Sunglasses

One way to greatly reduce your risk of photokeratitis is to protect your eyes with sunglasses. Over-the-counter sunglasses can be useful, but you must ensure they offer UV-A and UV-B protection. Low-cost sunglasses, like those sold at bargain retailers or convenience stores, rarely do, even when sold with a sticker that suggests otherwise. For sunglasses that offer reliable UV protection, you’re best off to go to your local optical shop

If you wear prescription eyeglasses, your optometrist or optician can fit you with a pair of prescription sunglasses. Or, if you prefer contact lenses, your eye doctor can advise you on contacts with built-in UV absorbing properties to shield your corneas from harmful rays. 

If you want to get outdoors this summer, and do so with your eyes’ best interests in mind, visit the optical shops at North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care. We offer two convenient Gainesville optical shop locations: the corner of NW 8th Avenue and NW 43rd Street, and Tioga Town Center on Newberry Road.

Walk in or contact us today at 352-373-4300 to schedule an appointment.

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Cataract Awareness Month Highlights the Importance of Eye Exams

by Damion Wasylow 4 June 2022 10:58 AM

man having eye exam with optometrist
June is Cataract Awareness Month, a timely reminder of the importance of getting regular eye exams. An estimated 65.2 million people around the world have cataracts, a condition that requires surgery to correct. Regular comprehensive eye exams can help detect cataracts before symptoms are even present, allowing for early intervention and monitoring.

When Do Cataracts Develop?

Cataracts often begin to develop in middle age. Around the age of 40, proteins in the lens of your eye begin to break down and start clumping. This clumping creates a cloudy area on the lens, which is known as a cataract.

If left untreated, the cataract progresses and clouds more of the lens, severely affecting your vision. Not surprisingly, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the United States.

Although cataracts typically start forming around age 40, most people won’t notice symptoms until they reach age 60 or older.

Risk Factors for Cataracts

Multiple health and lifestyle factors can increase the risk of cataracts, including:

  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Living in an area with bad pollution
  • Family history of cataracts
  • Diabetes
  • Steroid use
  • Certain medications
  • Eye injuries or surgeries
  • Radiation treatment
  • Excessive UV exposure

Of course, aging in itself is a risk factor for cataracts, and one that cannot be avoided. Cataracts are very common among older adults. More than half of people over the age of 80 have cataracts.

Signs and Symptoms of Cataracts

The most common signs and symptoms of cataracts include:

  • Cloudy or blurred vision
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Faded colors
  • Artificial lights and sunlight appear to be too bright
  • Seeing double
  • Halos around lights
  • Frequent vision prescription changes

Cataracts do not typically cause pain, but they can cause discomfort due to increased light sensitivity.

How Often Should You Have an Eye Exam?

Many people don’t get eye exams as often as they should. You may be able to see clearly, but your vision quality is only one aspect of eye health. Many eye conditions do not have noticeable symptoms and can only be uncovered through comprehensive eye exams.

Exams can also uncover other undiagnosed health issues, such as diabetes or brain tumors.

Comprehensive eye exams are different from vision screenings. Vision screenings generally only test for visual acuity and correct vision problems. A comprehensive eye exam takes a closer look at your peripheral vision and pupillary response to pressure and eye muscle strength.

Generally, here’s how often you should get a comprehensive eye exam based on your age:

  • 20s to 30s: Every 5-10 years
  • 40s to mid-50s: Every 2-4 years
  • Mid-50s to mid-60s: Every 1-3 years
  • 65+ years of age: Every 1-2 years

If you have vision problems or a family history of cataracts or another eye disease, you may need comprehensive eye exams more frequently.

If you’re experiencing cataract symptoms, or if it’s just been too long since your last eye exam, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care at 352-373-4300 to schedule your appointment today.

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5 Ways to Protect Your Eye Health

by Damion Wasylow 3 May 2022 11:27 AM

father and daughter on beach in sunglasses


May is Healthy Vision Month, and with warmer weather right around the corner, now is the perfect time to start taking extra care of your eye health. As you spend more time outdoors and work on projects around the house, it’s vital to protect your eyes.

Here are five simple ways to keep your eyes healthy this summer and beyond.

1. Get Regular Eye Exams

Scheduling regular eye exams is one of the best ways to protect your eye health. Experts recommend getting comprehensive dilated eye exams every 1-2 years for people who:

  • Are over 60 years of age
  • Have a family history of glaucoma
  • Are African-American and over 40 years of age
  • Have high blood pressure or diabetes

If you wear contacts or eyeglasses, make sure you schedule annual exams to ensure your prescription is up to date.

2. Wear Sunglasses

Most people remember to wear sunscreen before they head outdoors, but they often forget the importance of protecting their eyes from the sun.

UV exposure can contribute to:

If you’re spending time outdoors, be sure to wear sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB radiation. This one simple step could save your eyes from chronic issues in the future.

3. Wear Protective Eyewear

If you’re playing sports or working on projects around the home, be sure to wear appropriate protective eyewear.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to wear protective eyewear when doing:

  • Home improvement projects. Eyewear can protect your eyes from injury and debris, such as sawdust or wood chips.
  • Yard work. If you’re trimming bushes, pruning trees, weed whacking or even mowing the lawn, make sure that you’re wearing protective eyewear. A stray branch or stone can cause serious eye injury.
  • Sports, such as lacrosse, archery, shooting/hunting, motorcycling, tennis and other sports that involve projectiles.

There are many modern and stylish options for protective eyewear, even prescription versions, so don’t skip this critical step.

4. Eat Healthy and Maintain a Healthy Weight

Eating right and maintaining a healthy weight can help you naturally protect your eyes. Like any other part of your body, your eyes need the right nutrients for optimal function and health.

Make sure that your diet includes plenty of foods rich in eye-protecting nutrients, like:

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin C
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Zeaxanthin
  • Zinc
  • Lutein

Zeaxanthin and lutein are especially important for protecting your eyes from sun damage and blue light.

Eating healthy is only one piece of the puzzle. It’s also important to ensure that you’re maintaining a healthy weight. Research shows that obesity can increase the risk of serious eye diseases, including wet macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.

5. Quit Smoking

If you’re a smoker, there’s no better time than now to quit. Studies show that smoking can increase the risk of:

  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Age-related macular degeneration

Eventually, smoking can lead to vision loss. Take steps to quit smoking. And if you’re not a smoker, kudos!, make sure that you never start.

Whether it’s been a while since your last eye exam, you’re in the market for some great looking protective eyewear, or you just want to ensure your eyes are as healthy as possible, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300.

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Contact Lenses: A Safe Option for Kids Who Play Sports?

by Damion Wasylow 21 March 2022 11:06 AM

girls basketball team
More than 25% of children ages 2-17 wear prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Many children and teens prefer contacts for daily wear, as they allow for a more natural look and feel. For parents, however, one major concern is whether it’s safe for kids to wear contacts when playing sports.

Are Contact Lenses Safe for Kids Who Play Sports?

Yes, children who play sports can wear contact lenses. In fact, contacts are one of the safest types of corrective eyewear for physical activity. Eyeglasses can easily be knocked off by contact or slide down the nose during gameplay. Children are more likely to lose their eyeglasses when playing sports, and if they break during a game or practice, they can injure the eyes. 

Glasses are so risky that some sports have banned them, including boxing, football and rugby. They make it difficult or impossible to wear properly fitted face masks, helmets and other headgear. 

Safety aside, contacts are often better for performance. Glasses do not correct peripheral vision, whereas contacts do. This means that your child is more likely to see the ball or other player out of the corner of their eye. 

The Benefits of Wearing Contacts While Playing Sports

There are many advantages to wearing contacts while playing sports, including:

  • Increased comfort. Overall, many kids find it more comfortable to wear contact lenses while playing sports. When properly worn, contacts aren’t noticeable. In addition, kids don’t have to worry about eyeglasses sliding or moving around on their faces.
  • Weather isn’t an issue. With eyeglasses, raindrops can interfere with your vision. Fogging is also common with glasses, especially when playing sports. However, because contact lenses sit on top of the eye, weather and fogging will never be a problem.
  • No glares or reflections. Eyeglasses are prone to glares and reflections that can strain the eyes and make it difficult to see clearly while playing sports. Contacts eliminate these issues.

Are Contacts Safe for Water Sports?

Contacts are the better option for land sports, but what about water sports? Water sports are the one exception where it’s impractical or even unsafe for kids to wear contacts.

Wearing contacts while swimming or playing other competitive water sports increases the risk of:

  • Bacterial infections
  • Eye irritation
  • Corneal ulcers
  • Loss of vision

Chlorinated and salt water can irritate the eyes. Fresh water may contain bacteria or microbes that can cause infections or other issues.

Eyeglasses, of course, aren’t feasible for water sports. So, prescription goggles are the best solution.

With the exception of water sports, if your child needs corrective eyewear to play sports, contact lenses are typically the safe and comfortable solution. There’s no need to worry about lenses shattering and injuring the eyes, and the risk of losing contacts during practice or games is minimal.

If your child needs vision correction for any activity, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300 to schedule an appointment.

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Can You Still Need Cataract Surgery if You Already Had LASIK?

by Damion Wasylow 21 March 2022 10:55 AM

closeup of man's eye with digital graphics overlay
An estimated 600,000 LASIK procedures are performed in the U.S. each year. Many patients who undergo LASIK assume it’s the last eye procedure they’ll ever need. But might the development of cataracts one day require you to see an eye surgeon again?

The Difference Between LASIK and Cataract Surgery

LASIK corrects farsightedness, nearsightedness and even astigmatism by reshaping the cornea of your eye. Cataract surgery corrects blurriness, discoloration and vision loss caused by progressive damage to the lens of your eye. These are two separate eye structures. Thus, even if you previously had LASIK, you still have the same odds of one day developing cataracts and needing cataract surgery.

For Cataract Patients Who Previously Had LASIK

Cataract patients who previously had LASIK should inform their ophthalmologist about their LASIK history. LASIK changes the shape of your cornea, which may affect how your doctor treats your cataracts. 

If you previously had LASIK, your cataract surgeon will need to take additional steps during the pre-operative planning stage to evaluate your eyes and choose the best intraocular lens implant (IOL). Specifically, your doctor will need to know:

  • Your eye measurements before and after LASIK
  • Vision correction prescription before LASIK
  • Vision measurement after LASIK and before developing cataracts

The doctor who performed the LASIK procedure can provide this information to the ophthalmologist performing your cataract surgery.

Although having a history of LASIK adds an extra step to the pre-op stage of cataract surgery, as long as you inform your cataract surgeon in advance, it won’t affect your odds for success.

For LASIK Patients Who Previously Had Cataract Surgery

Yes, you can still have LASIK even after you have cataract surgery. In many cases, however, cataract surgery can actually eliminate the need for LASIK. Advancements in IOL technology, including multifocal lens implants, can correct many common vision problems.

It’s important to discuss your specific vision care options with an ophthalmologist who understands your eyecare history and all the treatment options available to you. A comprehensive eye exam is the best place to start. 

If you or someone you love is suffering with vision challenges, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300 to schedule an appointment.

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Deciding When to Have Cataract Surgery

by Damion Wasylow 5 March 2022 11:17 AM

eye doctor consulting with cataract patient prior to surgery

Nearly 10 million people around the world have cataract surgery each year. Surgery is the only way to correct the vision loss that inevitably results from cataracts, and it’s proven to be one of the safest surgical procedures available. Still, cataract surgery isn’t always necessary the moment you’re diagnosed.

Developing cataracts may initially have little effect on your vision, allowing you to function comfortably with the condition in the short-term. Over time, however, cataracts always get worse. This progression may take months or perhaps years, depending on how early you’re diagnosed and how rapidly your cataracts develop. Eventually, cataracts will rob you of your vision entirely.

A general rule of thumb is that people seek cataract surgery when they experience disruption in their quality of life or significant vision loss. If you're able to read, watch television and read road signs with ease, there's a good chance that you can hold off on surgery.

Issues mainly arise when cataract symptoms progress to the point of:

  • Discoloration, which impacts your quality of life and ability to see vivid colors
  • The cloudiness of the eye leads to difficulty seeing and enjoying daily life tasks, such as reading or seeing someone's face

When quality of life suffers or you can no longer enjoy work, activities or hobbies because of cataracts, it's an excellent time to consider surgical treatment. An ophthalmologist who specializes in cataract treatment can also help you determine when moving forward with cataract surgery is the best solution for you.

And, with recent advancements in cataract surgery, including laser-assisted cataract surgical options, the entire procedure is pain-free, and many patients see clearly almost immediately. Plus, recovery side effects are limited, allowing most patients to fully return to their normal activities in a just matter of days.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cataracts, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300 to schedule your cataract surgery consultation.

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Workplace Eye Wellness Month Spotlight: Preventing Digital Eye Strain

by Damion Wasylow 5 March 2022 11:10 AM

man rubs eyes to relieve digital eye strain symptoms
March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month, an initiative by
Prevent Blindness and the American Academy of Ophthalmology to bring awareness to eye care and safety at work. 

Thousands of workplace eye injuries occur each year in the U.S., but digital eye strain is often overlooked. Millions of Americans work at computers daily, leading many to suffer from the symptoms and effects of eye strain.

What is Digital Eye Strain?

Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome (CVS), is a condition caused by prolonged and frequent use of computers, smartphones, tablets and other screens. 

An estimated 50% of computer users suffer from digital eye strain, which can cause:

  • Blurred vision
  • Headaches
  • Dry eyes
  • Shoulder and neck pain
  • Itching eyes

These symptoms can be caused by a number of things, including:

  • Poor lighting in the room
  • Glares on the screen
  • Poor posture
  • Improper viewing distance
  • Uncorrected vision problems

Staring at a computer screen for long periods of time forces the eyes to work harder. Like the muscles in your body, overexertion of the eyes can cause strain and discomfort. 

How to Prevent Digital Eye Strain in the Workplace

If your job requires you to work at a computer for most of the day, there are steps you can take to help prevent digital eye strain.

Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

To prevent eye strain, experts recommend following the 20-20-20 rule:

  • Every 20 minutes
  • Take a 20-second break
  • And look at something 20 feet away

That 20-second break will give your eyes a much-needed rest and help prevent headaches, dry eyes and other symptoms of eye strain. If you can, take an even longer break. 

To prevent dry eyes, make sure that you’re frequently blinking. Blinking helps keep your eyes moist and prevents dry eyes. 

Create an Ergonomic Workspace

Taking breaks is important, but it’s even more important to have an ergonomic workspace. For example, it’s important to sit an appropriate distance away from the screen and at an appropriate height.

Screens should be:

  • 20-26" away from your eyes
  • Just below eye level

Yellow-tinted eyeglasses can also help prevent eyestrain. These glasses block blue light and help increase contrast to reduce eye strain. Some of these glasses also have anti-reflective lenses to help further prevent strain.

Creating an ergonomic workspace also means:

  • Changing the lighting in the room to prevent glares and reflections
  • Choosing a monitor that can tilt or swivel into a more comfortable viewing position
  • Using an adjustable chair to sit in an appropriate position

Correct Any Known Vision Problems

Uncorrected vision problems can increase the risk of digital eye strain and make symptoms even worse. 

If you haven’t visited your eye doctor in a while or you’ve been putting off getting glasses, contacts or other corrective solutions, now is a great time to change that. Correcting your vision problems can help prevent eye strain and allow you to work more comfortably.

Final Thoughts

Millions of Americans work at computers each day. Making an effort to prevent and treat digital eye strain can help improve eye health while reducing discomfort in the workplace. Use these tips to give your eyes a break and treat them with the care they deserve.

If you experience dry eyes or other symptoms associated with digital eye strain, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300. Our eye care experts can help diagnose and treat the root cause of your discomfort, allowing you to see clearly again and be your most productive self.

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