It’s almost impossible to go a day in ‘our world’ without looking at our smart phones, computers, or tablets. Beyond that, many people are now using multiple digital devices simultaneously? Sound familiar?
Human eyes are not designed to look up close for hours. Digital eyestrain can easily result if precautions are not taken. Digital eyestrain symptoms can include: dryness, irritated eyes, blurred vision, eye fatigue, neck and back pain, and headaches.
In addition to time viewing of digital devices, other factors can help nudge a person’s eyes to digital eyestrain. These can include: how close you are to the screen, the frequency and duration of use, and the degree of exposure to blue light emitted by video screens.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that teens and children engage no more than one or two hours per day on their digital devices to help ward off a number of health problems, including attention problems, school difficulties, sleep and eating disorders, and obesity.
To help you and your family prevent digital eyestrain, here are a few quick Danada Vision tips
- Limit your digital viewing time. For extended viewing time, try to take 20 second breaks after every 20 minutes of viewing while looking at something 20 feet away. (20-20-20 rule)
- Consider computer glases, and new lens coating technology that protects your eyes from the harmful rays emitted from back lit devices and other environmental stressors.
- Sit about 25 inches from the computer screen and position the screen so your eye gaze is slightly downward.
- Post a post it reminder on your computer screen that says ‘BLINK!” as a reminder to blink and take breaks.
- Use artificial tears to refresh your eyes.
- Reduce glare from the screen by properly lighting the area.
By following these tips, you can help prevent digital eyestrain. If you are one of the many that works with computers throughout the day, consider computer glasses. Dr. Burch and his team at Danada Vision Center of Wheaton or Villa Park would love to assist you with improving your eye health and vision. Our vision centers in Wheaton and Villa Park have been providing vision screenings and exams, contact lens evaluations, and many other optical services in our area for decades.
Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology / CBS NEWS / The Vision Council