69% of Canadians experience digital eye strain symptoms, including blurry vision, headaches, dry eyes, and neck pain from prolonged screen use. Whether you work remotely, game, or study online, LMC Optometry provide comprehensive solutions to eliminate your screen-related discomfort.
Digital eye strain is the catch-all name for ocular conditions resulting from the use of digital devices. It’s also known as computer vision syndrome. Your eyes work overtime to maintain clarity while viewing digital screens, and discomfort can result from all this extra work.
Some symptoms of digital eye strain include:
If you answered yes to any of these, you may benefit from our digital eye strain assessment. Book your appointment at one of our convenient Ontario locations for a detailed evaluation.
These symptoms may also be caused by more serious eye conditions, but a comprehensive eye exam can rule out eye diseases and other problems. Please visit us if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of digital eye strain.
You’re at high risk if you:
Children are particularly vulnerable: Their developing visual systems are more susceptible to strain, and many don’t recognize or report symptoms until they’re severe.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists says that children’s use of digital media has increased dramatically. Accompanying this increase in screen time is a rise in obesity rates, poorer sleep quality, and learning delays.
Studies show that the odds of children’s visual issues increase after 2-4 hours of screen time. To prevent digital eye strain and the health problems that can accompany it, kids should take breaks from screens every 30-60 minutes.
Warning signs in children:
Sitting very close to screens
Rubbing eyes frequently
Complaints of headaches after screen time
Difficulty concentrating on schoolwork
Excessive blinking or squinting
Notice any of these signs in your child? Schedule a comprehensive children’s eye exam at LMC Optometry. Early detection and treatment can prevent long-term vision problems and improve your child’s academic performance.
Digital devices will likely be with us well into the future. Your eyesight needs to be protected well into the future too! There are a few things you can do to mitigate digital eye strain.
Keep screens approximately at arm’s length from your body. The top of a computer monitor should be at eye level and your keyboard and mouse should be within reach.
Workstation ergonomics should help you keep your head and neck aligned with your torso and your body upright instead of hunched.
For every 20 minutes spent looking at your screen, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. The 20-20-20 rule can help reduce digital eye strain by giving your eyes a chance to refocus and exercise. Plus, it will help you remember to blink!
Digital device users blink much less often when faced with a screen than when going about other day-to-day activities.
Make an appointment with your optometrist to discuss digital device use for yourself or your child. A comprehensive eye exam can also rule out other eye conditions that might be causing similar symptoms.
No, digital eye strain doesn’t cause permanent vision damage or structural changes to your eyes. However, the symptoms can significantly impact your quality of life, work productivity, and comfort. The discomfort is real even though the effects are temporary and reversible with proper treatment and breaks.
That said, excessive screen time in children has been linked to myopia (nearsightedness) progression, which can have long-term implications.
The science is mixed. While blue light glasses are heavily marketed, recent double-blind studies show minimal direct impact on eye strain symptoms specifically caused by blue light.
However, many patients report subjective improvement, possibly because:
Yes! Computer glasses are specifically prescribed for your screen working distance (typically 20-26 inches), which is closer than distance vision but farther than reading distance.
Many people need different prescriptions for driving, computer work, and reading. We can determine if computer-specific glasses would benefit you.
For intensive computer users, we recommend a multi-pronged approach:
Computer vision exam to ensure accurate prescription at your working distance
Computer-specific glasses with anti-reflective coating
Workspace optimization (lighting, screen position, ergonomic setup)
Strict 20-20-20 rule compliance with timer reminders
Hourly breaks to stand and stretch
Artificial tears if experiencing dryness
Follow-up in 3-6 months to monitor and adjust
Many remote workers benefit from having dedicated “computer glasses” separate from their regular glasses or contacts.
Our optometrist at LMC can diagnose and manage conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and digital eye strain.
It’s recommended to have an eye exam in an eye clinic at least once every two years, or annually if you have existing eye conditions or risk factors.
For minor vision issues like 20/40 acuity, contacts are usually an effective choice for correction. Different lenses are available at LMC Optometry for different refractive errors.
Annual eye exams are completely covered by OHIP for children (19 and under) and seniors (65 and older). However, adults aged 20-64 must pay for routine eye exams themselves or use private insurance, as these exams are not covered by OHIP.
You can book an appointment online through the LMC Optometry website or by calling the specific location nearest to you.
You’ll find our Barrie location in the Barrie Primary Care Campus on Bayview Drive.
You’ll find our Bayview location in the CNIB building.
Please note, the Bayview clinic does not carry eyeglass frames.
We have moved from King Street to Martha Street where we are on the second floor of the Bolton Professional Building.
You’ll find our Brampton location in SmartCentres Bramport on Bovaird Drive East.
Visit our Ottawa location in Cedarview Square off Tartan Drive.
Please note, the Ottawa clinic does not carry eyeglass frames.
We are located in the McDonald’s plaza on the corner of Bathurst and Tower Hill.
Closed on Saturdays of long weekends.
You’ll find our Scarborough location in the Ellesmere medical building.
Please note, the Scarborough clinic does not carry eyeglass frames.
LMC Thornhill Optometric Centre is located in the Tim Horton’s plaza, just off Steeles Avenue West.
You’ll find our Barrie location in the Barrie Primary Care Campus on Bayview Drive.
You’ll find our Bayview location in the CNIB building.
Please note, the Bayview clinic does not carry eyeglass frames.
We have moved from King Street to Martha Street where we are on the second floor of the Bolton Professional Building.
You’ll find our Brampton location in SmartCentres Bramport on Bovaird Drive East.
Visit our Ottawa location in Cedarview Square off Tartan Drive.
Please note, the Ottawa clinic does not carry eyeglass frames.
We are located in the McDonald’s plaza on the corner of Bathurst and Tower Hill.
Closed on Saturdays of long weekends.
You’ll find our Scarborough location in the Ellesmere medical building.
Please note, the Scarborough clinic does not carry eyeglass frames.
LMC Thornhill Optometric Centre is located in the Tim Horton’s plaza, just off Steeles Avenue West.
“Service is always fast. Staff are friendly. Dr. Blackstein has taken excellent care of me since I began seeing him.”
Lori Cutler – Vaughn
“The Optometrist explained everything to us and did a very thorough exam. She was very helpful and patient, and answered all of our questions.”
Deborah Cormack – Barrie
“Staff was happy and friendly. It was a pleasure to see, think I will return in a year for another check up.”
Michael Kondring – Barrie
“Dr M Sher was really good.”
Jim Gray – Vaughn
“Very good customer service.”
Johnny Geniole – Barrie
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