Screen Sensitivity
What is Screen Sensitivity?
Screen sensitivity refers to discomfort or difficulty experienced when using digital devices, such as computers, smartphones, or tablets. Individuals with screen sensitivity often report symptoms such as eye strain, headaches, dizziness, or cognitive fatigue, which can interfere with daily activities and professional responsibilities. At Clarity Brain and Body Clinic, we recognize that screen sensitivity often stems from underlying neurological or visual dysfunctions and offer targeted solutions to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Symptoms of Screen Sensitivity
Symptoms of Screen Sensitivity
Eye Strain
Headaches
Dizziness and Vertigo
Cognitive Fatigue
Light Sensitivity
Difficulty Concentrating
Common Causes of Screen Sensitivity
Screen sensitivity can result from various physiological and neurological factors. At Clarity Brain and Body Clinic, we focus on identifying and addressing these root causes:
Oculomotor Dysfunction
The oculomotor system, which controls eye movements, plays a critical role in screen sensitivity. Dysfunction in this system can result in difficulties with tasks like tracking, focusing, and coordinating both eyes, causing symptoms like double vision, blurry vision, eye strain, and headaches.
Migraines, particularly those with visual aura, can lower sensory thresholds, making individuals more susceptible to screen-triggered symptoms.
Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Concussions and TBIs can disrupt the brain’s ability to process visual input, leading to screen sensitivity. Damage to areas responsible for integrating visual and vestibular information often results in symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and difficulty focusing.
Visual Processing Disorders
Conditions that affect how the brain interprets visual information can contribute to screen sensitivity. This includes challenges with contrast sensitivity, depth perception, or processing fast-moving visual stimuli.
Dysautonomia, or dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, can cause an exaggerated response to sensory stimuli, including screens resulting in symptoms like dizziness, brain fog, and eye discomfort during screen use.
Prolonged stress and fatigue can heighten sensitivity to screens by overloading the nervous system and reducing its ability to process sensory input efficiently.
Diagnosing Screen Sensitivity
Our clinic uses a comprehensive approach to pinpoint the causes of screen sensitivity. Diagnostic methods may include:
Comprehensive Neurological Exam: Evaluating brain function and sensory processing pathways.
Oculomotor Assessment: Testing eye movement coordination, tracking, and focus.
Vestibular Function Testing: Identifying issues with balance and spatial orientation that may exacerbate screen-related symptoms.
Cognitive Testing: Assessing factors like mental fatigue, processing speed, and attention.
Autonomic Nervous System Testing: Evaluating the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.
Can Blue Light Blocking Glasses Help?
Blue light blocking glasses have become a popular solution for managing eye strain and discomfort caused by prolonged screen use. These glasses filter out the blue light emitted by screens, which may reduce eye fatigue and improve sleep quality. However, while blue light blocking glasses may offer temporary relief, they do not address the root cause of screen sensitivity, especially if your discomfort is related to underlying neurological or visual issues.
If you’ve tried blue light blocking glasses and still experience persistent screen sensitivity, it may be time to explore deeper solutions. At Clarity Brain and Body Clinic, we specialize in identifying and treating the underlying causes of screen sensitivity.
Personalized Treatment for Screen Sensitivity
At Clarity Brain and Body Clinic, we create customized treatment plans tailored to the individual needs of each patient. Our evidence-based approaches may include:
Oculomotor and Visual Therapy: Exercises to improve eye movement coordination, focus, and tracking.
Neuroplasticity-Based Exercises: Activities designed to retrain the brain’s visual processing pathways.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy: Techniques to enhance balance and reduce dizziness associated with screen use.
Autonomic Nervous System Rehabilitation: Strategies to improve stress regulation and sensory tolerance.
Stress Management and Biofeedback: Tools to calm the nervous system and build resilience to sensory triggers.
Screen Environment Optimization: Practical recommendations for adjusting screen settings, lighting, and posture to minimize discomfort.
Why Choose Clarity Brain and Body Clinic?
At Clarity Brain and Body Clinic, we understand the challenges that screen sensitivity can bring to your daily life. Dr. Timko utilizes cutting-edge functional neurology techniques to address the root causes of screen sensitivity, offering compassionate, personalized care that empowers you to regain control of your digital interactions and overall well-being.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If screen sensitivity is interfering with your life, you don’t have to endure it alone. Contact Clarity Brain and Body Clinic today to schedule a free discovery call and start your journey toward clearer, more comfortable screen use.