Screen-Based Strain
What does your technology do for you? Today, we can order dinner, buy concert tickets, chat with friends, play games, and even work from virtually any device with a screen. Smartphones, gaming consoles, computers, and tablets make our lives more convenient.
But, there are some drawbacks to increased screen time. It’s almost impossible to get away from our devices and as a result, an estimated 65% of Americans suffer from discomfort related to digital eye strain.
Digital eye strain is also known as computer vision syndrome. It refers to a group of ocular issues stemming from too much time spent using digital devices.
If you’re experiencing eye discomfort after staring at your screen, we can help. We can assess your screen habits and provide strategies to mitigate your discomfort.
Book an appointment to find relief from digital eye strain today.
Book AppointmentSymptoms of Digital Eye Strain
There are a few common symptoms associated with digital eye strain, including:
- Dry eyes
- Headaches
- Strained eyes
- Blurry vision
- Neck and shoulder pain
Often, symptoms will alleviate when you take a solid screen time break. But, discomfort can return once you’re in front of a digital device again. In order to find relief in the long term, you may need to implement some mitigation strategies.
It’s also important to visit your optometrist to assess whether there’s another underlying condition contributing to your symptoms.
Mitigating Digital Eye Strain
Adjusting your work area, taking intentional screen breaks, and adjusting your lighting while using a digital device are all strategies that help reduce digital eye strain.
Ergonomics
Office ergonomics and proper posture can help to keep you comfortable while using digital devices. While you’re at your desk, be sure to sit upright with your feet flat on the floor. Your shoulders should not be rounded or hunched and your neck should align with your torso.
Screens should be about 4–5 inches below eye level and 20–28 inches from your eyes. And keep your keyboard and mouse near enough to prevent reaching.
Settings
If you’re reading on your digital device, increase the font size to minimize squinting. Contrast and color tones should also be set to maximize your comfort.
Lighting Levels
The levels of light both in the room around you and on your device can prevent digital eye strain. Turn down your screen’s brightness to match the lighting levels of your surroundings. If the light from the room is reflecting in your screen, the glare can also contribute to eye strain.
Anti-glare screens are available for your device’s display, and glasses with an anti-reflective coating can help.
The 20-20-20 Rule
When you’re concentrating on your work, it might be challenging to take a break, but following the 20-20-20 rule can help to relax your eyes. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a chance to refocus, helping to reduce strain.
Kids & Digital Eye Strain
Adults use screens frequently, but they’re creeping into kids' lives too. Studies show that the risk of children developing visual issues increases after more than 3 hours of screen time.
Increased device use also means kids are spending more time indoors. The World Health Organization recommends limiting screen time for children and encouraging them to play outside instead.
Children should have regular, comprehensive eye exams to assess the health of their vision, regardless of their screen time.
Book an appointment today!
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Why Monarch Bay Optometry?

A Personalized Experience
We prioritize your well-being with extended appointments. Our goal is to provide a thorough and unrushed examination.

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Function
Welcome to an elegant eye care & eyewear experience. We proudly showcase local art alongside our frames in our optical boutique.

Dedicated
Care
Our experienced doctors provide comprehensive eye care for your whole family. Our dedicated team goes above and beyond.
We Can’t Wait to See You
Where to park?
We are located in Monarch Bay Plaza, which has plenty of parking. We look forward to welcoming you!
Our Address
- 32932 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 13
- Dana Point, CA 92629
Contact Information
- Phone: 949-487-3937
- Fax: 949-487-3913
- Email: [email protected]
Our Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed

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Our Google Reviews
“I just had my first visit here with Doctor Kobayashi. I am happy to say that the great reviews are deserved. I have found my new eye doctor. She was thorough in testing and evaluating, straightforward, and very personable. I look forward to trusting her with my vision.”
Frank P.
“Both my husband and I received great service from Dr. Lin and Dr. Kris. Professional advice, patience with our questions and very friendly.”
Dianne A.
“Today I had Dr. Kris Kobayashi for the first time and I was very impressed! Knowledgeable of course but also answered questions I didn’t know I had. Personable and funny too. I came away thinking about optometry school. At my age!! Ten thumbs up!”
Kendall C.
“Both doctors are extremely kind, knowledgeable, and attentive. I always feel very welcomed and well taken care of, highly recommend it to anyone. The office is very comfortable and has very warm and friendly office staff. Very grateful for Monarch Bay Optometry!”
Nancy M.
“By far, the most painful injury I have ever received was at the hands of my two-year-old daughter. While picking her up from preschool the tiny little nail on her tiny little index finger poked me directly in the eye while running to hug me. At the time it hurt, but it wasn’t much more painful than what you would normally expect from getting poked in the eye. What I didn’t understand at the time was that she had given me a corneal abrasion and things were about to get worse, a lot worse. That night, I tossed and turned as my eye continued to get worse. Every blink I took further tore at my cornea and aggravated this abrasion.
I woke in the morning and literally could not open either eye from the pain I was in. It was so painful that I was crawling around the house on all four fumbling for things with my hands. I thought I would have to go to the hospital’s emergency room. Luckily for me, my wife was a long-time client of Kris’. She phoned Kris and explained the situation. Despite not being at work, Kris didn’t hesitate to volunteer to see me and even arranged to see me at a friend’s optometry office next to my house knowing it would be difficult for me to travel to the Marina Del Rey or Dana Point offices in my current condition.
The immediate relief as Kris applied medical contact to my eye after assessing the damage was overwhelming. I would have cried except that my eyes were already streaming from the injury. Kris gave me an entire plethora of care, advice, and information to go along with the contact and medication. She informed me that toddlers commonly cause their parent’s eye abrasions. The hospital, where I think most regular people on their day off would have sent me, would have simply put some lubricant on my eye, given me an eyepatch, and prescribed antibiotics. Instead of spending a week in pain with half my vision, I was given immediate relief and the full use of both eyes.
You might think this level of care cost me an arm and a leg but no, Kris charged me for a regular eye exam visit and the normal cost for the contact while prescribing me a prescription with a follow-up visit later that week. All of which was mostly covered by my vision insurance anyways.
Truly, I will always be grateful for this response and while I hopefully won’t be seeing Kris again for an eye abrasion I can’t recommend her and her business enough to both my family and friends for her professionalism, courtesy, and obvious care for her clients well being.”