My Eyes Are Blurry if I’m Using My Mobile Device a Lot. What Can I Do?

by | Apr 13, 2024 | Eye Health News

In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an integral part of our daily lives. From staying connected with friends and family to managing work tasks on the go, smartphones and tablets offer unparalleled convenience. However, excessive use of these devices can often lead to uncomfortable symptoms, such as blurry vision. If you find yourself experiencing this issue, you’re not alone. Many people face similar challenges due to prolonged screen time. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to alleviate blurry vision and promote eye health while still enjoying the benefits of your mobile device.

  1. Take Regular Breaks: One of the primary reasons for blurry vision when using mobile devices is eye strain. Staring at a screen for extended periods can cause your eyes to become fatigued, leading to blurred vision. To combat this, make it a habit to take regular breaks. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple practice can help relax your eye muscles and reduce strain.
  2. Adjust Screen Settings: Most smartphones and tablets offer options to adjust screen brightness, contrast, and font size. Optimize these settings to make it easier on your eyes. Decreasing screen brightness in dimly lit environments can prevent your eyes from working too hard to adjust to the glare. Similarly, increasing font size and using high-contrast settings can make text easier to read, reducing the strain on your eyes.
  3. Practice Proper Posture: The way you hold your device can also impact your vision. Maintaining good posture while using your mobile device can help prevent neck and shoulder strain, which can indirectly affect your eyesight. Hold your device at eye level and avoid bending your neck downwards for prolonged periods. Additionally, consider using a stand or holder to prop up your device to reduce strain on your arms and neck.
  4. Use Blue Light Filters: The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle and cause eye strain. Many smartphones and tablets now offer built-in blue light filters or “night mode” settings that reduce the amount of blue light emitted by the screen, especially during evening hours. Enabling these filters can help minimize eye strain and promote better sleep quality.
  5. Consider Computer Glasses: If you frequently use your mobile device for work or leisure activities, investing in a pair of computer glasses may be beneficial. These glasses are specifically designed to reduce glare and filter out harmful blue light, providing added protection for your eyes. Consult with an optometrist to determine if computer glasses are right for you and to get a prescription tailored to your needs.
  6. Visit an Eye Care Professional: If blurry vision persists despite taking preventive measures, it’s essential to seek professional help. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist to rule out any underlying eye conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms. They can provide personalized recommendations and treatment options based on your specific needs.

In conclusion, blurry vision caused by excessive mobile device use is a common issue in today’s digital age. However, by implementing simple strategies such as taking regular breaks, adjusting screen settings, practicing proper posture, using blue light filters, considering computer glasses, and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can minimize eye strain and maintain healthy vision. Remember to prioritize your eye health and strike a balance between screen time and moments of rest and relaxation for optimal well-being.

Tatum Eyecare is North Phoenix’s premier family eye care center. We’ve spared no expense to create the most pleasant, comfortable patient experience… including the finest furnishings, the best selection of prescription eyeglass frames, the most cutting-edge technology, and the most outstanding team of industry professionals. Come see why the choice for family eye care in the Valley has never been clearer.

 

Dr. Bryan Fuller

Dr. Bryan Fuller of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Fuller grew up in Issaquah, Washington and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University. He decided to ditch the calculator and trade it in for a phoropter and slit lamp. He headed east to The Ohio State University where he received his Optometry degree in 1998. Go Bucks! Not wanting to return to the gray of Washington, after graduation, he headed southwest to sunny Arizona. Shortly thereafter he met Dr. McPhelan and they partnered up at their original location, Optical Illusions. With the success of the first location, the two doctors opened up their north location, Optique at the Ridge. After many years of operating the two locations, it was time for an upgrade. In 2016 they merged the two locations into their larger and current location, Tatum Eyecare! When not at the office, Dr. Fuller enjoys spending his free time with his amazing wife and two boys. Dr. Fuller holds the following degrees:

Ohio State University - Doctorate of Optometry
Washington State University - B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Dr. James McPhelan

Dr. James McPhelan of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. McPhelan grew up in Southern California and enlisted in the Army at age 17. He graduated from Southern California College of Optometry in 1976, then started practicing optometry in Arizona in 1977. Over the next few years, he grew 20/20 Eye Care to 15 offices. In 1999, he and Dr. Fuller took over Optical Illusions, then opened Optique at the Ridge. In 2016, they created Tatum Eyecare. In his spare time, Dr. McPhelan is an avid golfer, often competing in multiple tournaments through the year. Dr. McPhelan holds the following degrees:


Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Houle

Dr. Houle
Dr. Houle is following in her father's footsteps as an optometrist. She is a North Dakota native who received her Bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota before earning her Doctorate of Optometry from Midwestern University - Arizona College of Optometry. Dr. Houle began her career in eye care more than 10 years ago, and she worked as a receptionist, optician, and technician before becoming an optometrist. She has a particular interest in the management of ocular disease including dry eye and glaucoma. In her free time, Dr. Houle is an avid baseball fan (go Twins!) and spends as much time as possible with her friends and family in both Arizona and North Dakota.

Midwestern University – Arizona College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry
University of North Dakota - Bachelor of Science: Biology

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. O’Daniel was born in the beautiful mountains of Waynesville, North Carolina and grew up in Dayton, Ohio. He attended Wright State University and graduated with his BS in Biology in 1977; shortly thereafter, beginning his Masters in BioChemistry.

Dr. O’Daniel is also a 1983 graduate of the Illinois College Optometry. He met his wife Lori during this period. Lori, a Chicago native, became an integral part of his practice (and life!) shortly thereafter.
He moved to Scottsdale in 1986 to begin practicing inside LensCrafters. In 1990 Dr. O'Daniel opened the Scottsdale LensCrafters, and he also presided as its director of Optometric services.
Dr. O’Daniel became an Optometrist because of his love and passion for photography, physics, and desire provide patients with the ability to see the world more clearly. As a licensed optometrist, Dr. O’Daniel provides complete eye care services for the surrounding communities ages seven and up.
Dr. O’Daniel has had a working relationship with both Dr. Fuller and McPhellan for over two decades. He has served as past director for the Arizona Optometric Association, and past President of the Central Arizona Optometric Society. In January, 2018 Dr. O’Daniel decided to join Tatum Eye Care, the premier Eye Care Center in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Dr. O’Daniel’s goal is simple: Provide Excellent Eye Care, treat patients as family, and treat everyone honestly and fairly!

Dr. Christina Wong

Dr. Christina Wong of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
A southern California native, Dr. Wong attended UCLA where she received her B.S. in Biology. She then completed her Doctorate of Optometry at the Southern California College of Optometry. Dr. Wong moved to Arizona to complete a residency in ocular disease at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital on the Gila River Indian Reservation. Following residency, Dr. Wong earned the distinction of Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Wong provides comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages, from pediatrics through seniors. She has a special interest in the management of medical eye conditions including glaucoma, eye infections, dry eye and diabetic retinopathy.
Outside of the office, Dr. Wong enjoys running, going to the beach, rooting for the Bruins, and spending time with her husband and three daughters.
University of California Los Angeles - B.S. in Biology
Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Ryan Felten

Dr. Felten of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Felten is a native to Arizona, and was raised in North Phoenix where most of his family still resides. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University; then returned home to Arizona to pursue his Doctor of Optometry at Midwestern University in Glendale. While at Midwestern University, he was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society and was the recipient of the Clinical Excellence Award in Pediatrics and Vision Therapy. Dr. Felten enjoys working with patients of all ages and also speaks fluent Spanish. Dr. Felten holds the following degrees:


Brigham Young University - Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Midwestern University - Doctorate of Optometry