Do you spend most of your day in front of a computer, phone, TV, or tablet screen? Digital tools are an integral part of our society, and many people spend a large percentage of their day in front of a screen. Whether you work in front of a computer, or you spend a lot of time on your phone, it is essential that you consider the way the screen time might be impacting your vision. Talk with an optometrist in Chicago to see if your eyes have been affected.
Digital Eye Strain
Computer Vision Syndrome, also known as Digital Eye Strain, is becoming more common as screen time increases among the population. These terms refer to a group of vision-related issues that can occur because of prolonged usage of digital screens. It appears that more screen time can worsen the symptoms of these eye problems.
Bluelight comes from the digital tools that we use, including televisions, laptops, smartphones, and more. Depending on the time that you spend in front of the screen and the proximity to your eyes, you might experience a negative impact from the use of devices that emit blue light. The eyes aren’t very good at blocking blue light, so you need to be careful about your screen time to reduce the vision problems.
If you are suffering from Computer Vision Syndrome, then you might have one or more of these symptoms: shoulder and neck pain, dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, eye strain.
Tips for Reducing Vision Problems from Computer Usage
When you spend time in front of a screen, it is essential that you are proactive to protect your eyes. These are several options that you might consider:
- Computer Lenses: These glasses use a special type of lens with a coating that helps to reduce the glare from the computer screen. The tint is designed in a specific way to help you avoid eye strain when you are looking at a screen. We suggest that you use the Blue Protect Lenses by Zeiss, which are available in our office.
- Ergonomics: The way you sit and the proximity to the screen can impact your eyes. Try to avoid sitting too close to the television. Also, make sure that your computer screen is positioned at eye level so that you can look comfortably at the screen without straining your neck and shoulders.
- Lighting: Staring at a screen in the dark can strain the eyes more than using a screen with the right lighting in the room. If the room is dim, turn on another light or add a lamp to brighten up the space.
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
The American Optometric Association suggests that you follow the “20-20-20 Rule.” When you are spending time in front of a screen, it is important to take a break every 20 minutes so that you can spend at least 20 seconds looking at something that is 20 feet away. This break helps your eyes to take a rest from the glare of the computer screen, which in turn reduces eye fatigue.
Are you interested in learning more about how your computer might be affecting your vision? For more information, contact Village Eyecare to schedule an appointment with an experienced optometrist in Chicago.