These days, no one is spared from the digital screen. Our lives now revolve around it and even more so since the Covid-19 pandemic hit. As a matter of fact, many of us are surrounded by multiple screens.
Do you find yourself working on the computer, switching your attention to the phone or a tablet and back to the computer?
It feels like you’re giving your eyes a break as you switch from one device to another but really what you’re doing is exposing your eyes to continuous screen time. We conveniently use devices to work, read e-books, watch movies, shop online, surf social media to catch up on what’s happening around you and so on.
Though, many forget to catch breaks in between to rest your eyes or use their devices ergonomically.
Due to this, many suffer from Digital Eye Strain or also known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).
It’s an exertion
Digital Eye Strain happens because of the demands of your daily tasks that tend to exert your eyes. What does this mean exactly? Alright, let’s picture this: As you read your emails on the computer screen, your eyes are moving back and forth constantly. You then look away to read a text on your phone, refer to a document or something around you and turn your focus back to the screen.
You’ll agree that the above is not an unusual scenario.
Every eye movement made involves your eye muscles. Hence, making it work very hard as you go about completing your day-to-day tasks. Plus, when looking at a screen, your bare eyes are exposed to glare and the fonts or visuals are sometimes not precise. This makes your eyes work even harder as you try to focus on reading. Lastly, let’s not forget dry and tired eyes as you’ve the tendency to blink less when using a computer or digital device.
It is indeed a lot of work that your pair of delicate eyes are required to do. This is why Digital Eye Strains occur and over time, it could increase the risk of other eyesight concerns.
Seeing double?
Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain extend from eye discomfort to aches and pain on your body. Although there is no solid evidence that the use of computers can lead to long-term eye damage, there is no doubt however that it could lead to some discomfort. They include:
- Double vision
- Blurred vision
- Eyestrain
- Eye irritation
- Dry eyes
- Headaches
- Neck pain
The severity of these symptoms depend very much on one’s eye health. For most individuals, symptoms of Digital Eye Strain will subside after stopping work or using a digital device.
However, for those with uncorrected vision such as astigmatism, near or far sightedness, these problems could also lead to eyestrain and discomfort. If you’ve been experiencing the said symptoms, scheduling an eye examination would be best to help you manage these symptoms. If left unaddressed, symptoms of Digital Eye Strain could also affect your performance at work.
Immediate steps to take
Our eyes are important to communicate, it allows us to explore the world around us and create special memories with our loved ones. Digital Eye Strain affects the majority of us but there are immediate steps you can take to reduce your risk of experiencing its symptoms. Look over to the next page to have a better picture on how to prevent Digital Eye Strain.
How to prevent digital eye strain?
#1 Blink your eyes often to keep them moist.
#2 Your computer monitor should be placed at least 51 centimeters (about an arm’s length) away from your eyes.
#3 Abide to the 20-20-20 rule. Look away from your screen every 20 minutes, focus on something 20 feet away (about 6 metres) and for 20 seconds.
#4 Your eyes should look slightly downward when viewing the computer screen.
#5 Have some indoor plants as looking at the colour green helps to soothe the eyes.
Extra Tips
- Wear anti-glare glasses to filter the amount of light reflected from the screen.
- Reduce glare from windows by drawing the curtains or installing blinds.
- Set a reminder on your phone to help you follow the 20-20-20 rule.
