Digital devices are a staple in our daily. Many people use a computer or other devices for at least two hours a day. As your eyes are exposed to digital devices, they can become strained, developing computer vision syndrome.
This condition is caused by exposure to digital devices. Symptoms of this condition include:
Blurred vision
Eye fatigue
Dry eyes
Headaches
You may also experience redness, twitching, light sensitivity, watery eyes, as well as neck and shoulder pain. While reducing your screen time can help alleviate these symptoms, it may not be a practical solution if you work in front of a computer screen daily.
Use a Blue Light Blocker
Your computer and smartphone give off concentrated amounts of blue light, and when experiencing prolonged exposure, you can experience headaches, eye strain, and difficulty sleeping. We recommend checking your device settings and applying the blue light filters on your device. We also recommend that you wear blue light blocker glasses or add blue light shielding to your prescription lenses.
Remind Yourself to Blink More Often
Blinking is an involuntary action, so when you are sitting in front of your computer or another device, it is important to remind yourself to blink more often than you normally would.
Typically you only blink around 15 times per minute, and when using a digital device, you may only blink five to seven times a minute, which can lead to reduced vision, discomfort, eye irritation and dryness, and difficulty concentrating.
By reminding yourself to blink more often, you can coat your eye with moisture, naturally protecting your eye.
Take Breaks and Schedule Device-Free Time Daily
You need to prioritize taking breaks to give your eyes a rest. You can use the 20-20-20 rule, where you take a break from the screen every 20 minutes and focus on something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. If you can, we recommend standing up and walking away from your work area to allow your natural blinking to return and rehydrate your eyes.
We also recommend incorporating digital device-free periods into your day, such as during your lunch break or during your commute. You should also put down the device once you’ve laid down for bed because it can not only strain your eyes but can also inhibit your ability to fall asleep.
At Dittman Eyecare, we recommend that you attend regualr eye exams to catch any other eye problems before they can get worse. Schedule your next eye exam today!
