Do You Stare at a Screen All Day? If So, Here’s How To Protect Your Eyes
All of us use computers, tablets and smartphones all day, every day. A recent survey put the number at five hours a day. The Census Bureau reported in 2015 that a whopping 87% of American households possess a computer. No wonder that record numbers of Americans complain of eye problems due to computer use.
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS, not to be confused with the more famous CVS pharmacy chain) is a fancy name for eyestrain when using digital devices. Symptoms include some combination of headache, fatigue, irritation, scratchiness, dryness and blurring. At greatest risk for developing CVS are individuals who spend two or more continuous hours at a computer or mobile device every day.
Computer and mobile device use is different than reading a printed page. The print is not as precise or sharply defined, the level of contrast between the letters and the background is reduced and the presence of glare and reflections on the screen may make viewing difficult. Viewing distances and angles are different compared to book and newspaper reading. These factors place additional demands on the visual system.
Uncorrected or under corrected needs for glasses will worsen significantly all the problems noted above. We strongly encourage a thorough eye examination in CVS sufferers for this reason. Anti-reflective coatings in glasses will reduce glare from the various screens in use today.
Dry Eye Disease (DED) is also a significant contributor to CVS. Previous articles discussing DED are available at www.coastaljerseyeye.com/blog (Feb. 2018 and Jan. 2017).
Classic Eyewear is located in our Linwood (927-4424) and Cape May Court House (465-7926) offices. Our optical experts are available to fill your prescription for computer glasses or other task specific eyewear. With digital screens a part of everyday life, working with computers should be as comfortable and enjoyable of an experience as it is productive!
June 5, 2018