Screens.
Screens are EVERYWHERE now and it’s hard to look away from them. Especially if you work at a computer or you are a student taking notes at a computer or you’re a child playing games on a tablet...actually it doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, screens are part of everyday life. But because of this, our eyes can suffer from Computer Vision Syndrome. What is that? How can we prevent it? And what can you do for treatment? We have the answers for you!
Computer Vision Syndrome, also known as digital eye strain, describes a group of eye and vision-related issues that are caused by looking at a screen for too long. Those who view a digital screen for a prolonged period of time can experience eye discomfort; and the longer you continue to look at screens, the more discomfort.
Symptoms:
Eyestrain
Blurred vision
Headaches
Dry eyes
Neck and shoulder pain
How to Treat and Prevent Computer Vision Syndrome
Solutions to caring for digital eye strain vary from person to person based on their eye health history and current health standings. Here are some tips to help the discomfort and treat the strain.
Location of computer screen: Most people find it more comfortable when they are looking downward to a screen (about 15 - 20 degrees below eye level).
Blue light lenses: These lenses help block blue light from screens that can often contribute to eye fatigue and disrupted sleep cycles.
Anti-fatigue lenses: These digital lenses are specifically made to allow your eyes to relax while looking at a screen.
Rest breaks: Rest your eyes by using the 20-20-20 rule. For every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Blinking: To minimize dry eye make sure you are blinking more frequently.
See your eye doctor: Of course see your doctor if any symptoms are present and don’t go away after resting your eyes.
In Conclusion
Overall, computer vision syndrome is a fairly treatable and mild issue...but like anything else if it goes untreated, the discomfort may increase. The good news? We are here to help! Whether your eyes are dry, your vision is blurred, or you’re getting headaches, we are committed to doing everything possible to treat those issues.
Screens are unavoidable. Make sure you know what you can do to protect your eyes from strain. Use the 20-20-20 rule, make sure your prescription is current, invest in quality digital lenses for your glasses, and always get to your annual eye examination. If you do these things, you’ll have a much more comfortable experience working on screens!