Eye Strain and Vision problems are increasing with the COVID pandemic.

Dr. Nelson recently was interviewed by CTV News on the topic. You can read the article here

Dr. Nelson and the other optometrists at Waverley Eye Care in Winnipeg, have noticed in increase in symptoms of eye strain due to an influx of screen time during the pandemic.

People are looking at thier screens for much longer periods of time and this is causing them to report symptoms when they come in for their eye exam. Children, teens and students in university are looking at a screen all day long during virtual classes and then they look at a screen all evening while they study. Eye symptoms reported at pediatric or adult eye exams inlcude eyestrain, eye fatigue, burning, watering, headaches and flucuating vision.

These symptoms can be caused by a variety of reasons, reports Winnipeg eye doctor Michael Nelson. One cause is due to focusing fatigue. The eye has an autofocus system, just like an autofocus camera does, that is uses to focus on different targets. The autofocus system works automatically and instantaneously so we often don’t think about it. When teens look at a screen that autofocus is working about 25-40% of is maximum capacity, which is fine if you are working for short periods of time, but it can add up over time. Imagine if you running at 25% of your maximum speed for a half hour….probably easily done….but if you ran at 25% of your maximum all day long…you probably would be tired. Now imagine your eyes are doing that every day. The effects are even greater for univeristy students and adults as we loose are focusing ability as we get older.

Increased screen time can also cause dry eye. Studies show that a normal blink rate is about 8-10 blinks per minute. When we look at a screen we tend to stare and it is not unusal to only blink 2-4 times per minute. Dry eye can result in intermittant blurred vision, watery eyes and burning.

Another unknown related to increased screen time is that is may contribute to increased myopia. There are not conclusive studies to show that increased screen time leads to myopia but anecdotely it seems like there might be something to this. One recent report from China seems to indicate a slight increase in myopia during the pandemic. There certainly needs to be more research in this area to confirm or deny if screen time is related you myopia but it can’t hurt to take more breaks from the screen.

Great news though. Your Winnipeg optometrist at Waverley Eye Care Centre can help you with these symptoms when you or your child comes in for an eye exam. At your eye exam your optometrist can measure your focusing ability and can prescibe eye glasses that can help do some of the focusing for your eyes to reduce your eyestrain. Your eye doctor can also diagnose and prescribe treatment options to deal with your dry eye disease. The optometrists at Waverley Eye Care Centre in Winnipeg can also provide you with options in myopia control and myopia managment to help reduce the risk for progression

If you would like help with your eye symptoms call Waverley Eye Care Centre and book an eye exam with one of our their optometrists.