Protecting eyes from screen time
Sitting at your computer all day, staring at the screen may be doing more damage than you think to your eyes. And recent studies show that up to 90 percent of people who work at computer, experience eye health issues, more commonly called computer vision syndrome (CVS).
A recent article from Upwave.com sheds light on how to protect your eyes from
The American Optometric Association describes symptoms of CVS as eyestrain, fatigue, headaches, blurred vision, dry or irritated eyes, neck or backaches and even double vision.
According to experts, when a person is viewing a computer screen their natural blink rates goes down and can cause eyes to burn, itch or get dry.
Dr. Harit K. Bhatt, an ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Ill., says that in most cases the symptoms of CVS are temporary and will dissipate as people reduce their time in front of screens. But some of those symptoms may persist and need to be checked out by an eye care professional.
“If you are experiencing any of these problems even after taking time away from working in front of a screen, it may be a more serious cause,” he says. “Persistent headaches and/or blurred vision need to be checked out by a physician.”
The Vision Council recommends the following tips to prevent eye strain:
- Consult with your eye care provider about the best solutions for your eyes and lifestyle
- Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away
- Consider using computer eyewear to help combat eye strain; products are available in prescription and non-prescription varieties
- Create an ergonomically-friendly work station with proper lighting, seat adjustments, and monitor settings
- Maintain an appropriate distance from handheld and stationary device screens
- Enlarge your computer text and browser windows for easier viewing
- Limit the amount of competing indoor and outdoor light
- Clean electronic device screens frequently to eliminate dust and glare
- Remember to blink; staring at screens can dry eyes
For more information on eye health, Advocate on Call explains the importance of getting an eye exam.
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About the Author
Sarah Scroggins, health enews contributor, is the director of social media at Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. She has a BA and MA in Communications. When not on social media, she loves reading a good book (or audiobook), watching the latest Netflix series and teaching a college night class.
Great tips! After having LASIK two years ago, I try to protect my eyes as much as possible to prevent further damage. My doctor also recommended during that 20-second computer break to move my eyes to the right for a few seconds and then to left for a few seconds.
There is more to “too much screen time” than meets the eye! Check out this important article:
http://www.learningbreakthrough.com/specific-challenges/digital-concerns
Great Article sarah! Now a days people are not very concerned about eye care . People used to sit in front of the computer for long time although they are aware of eye health problems.
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I am a software professional who usually sit in front of computer for around 10 to 12 hrs everyday so I can say that its really true that sitting in front of computer for whole day may cause eye diseases. I was suffering from above mentioned eye problems and used to go eye care center for regular check up and solutions like above to make my eyes healthy and disease free.
I agree with everything you wrote here. Great tips. Some people just don’t understand how screen time can affect your eyes negatively. Great post!
If you work in front of computers for the whole day, it becomes very important to take care of your eyes as glaucoma is a frequent problem seen in some people nowadays. Your tips are very useful for those who have any eye strain problems. For more on eye related issues, visit- http://www.supersaversopticians.ie/faq.php
This is a serious condition among many in the workforce today. Many jobs require their employees to stare at a computer screen for hours on end which can take a tole on your eye health. It is so important to take breaks throughout the day to give your eyes a rest and reduce the risk of damaging your eyes and vision.
There are glass available that could protect eyes from computer screen.