Nowadays, many people have jobs and lifestyles that require them to look at digital screens for several hours every day. The situation can cause eye problems.
Studies show that between 50 and 90 percent of people who use computers experience eye-related problems. Children who use tablets or computers often at school experience these problems, too. This is more so if the rooms they study in are poorly lit and their sitting posture is not the best.
Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a set of symptoms that arise following the extended use of digital screens. You may have experienced one of these common telltale signs of CVS, which include:
Typically, we blink 15 to 20 times every minute. That distributes tears squarely across our eyes, preventing them from drying or getting irritated.
But experts have discovered that people blink less often when using a digital screen. Additionally, the glare, little contrast of content against the screen background, and light flickers from the screen can hurt your eyes. If your eyes feel dry, irritated, and tired by the end of the day, all that screen time may be the culprit.
Spending too much time on your screen can cause a digital screen headache. The strain on your eyes comes from staring too closely at your screen, excess brightness, and even improper posture.
The headaches can be sharp or dull, depending on how intense your eye muscles have to focus on the content on your screen. Taking regular screen breaks can help rest your eyes and reduce your chances of computer screen headaches.
You may have experienced blurry vision after using a digital screen for too long. A less-than-ideal viewing distance, less focused or sharp screen content, and unsatisfactory screen breaks make viewing very difficult.
If blurry vision affects you, get your eyes checked by your eye doctor to rule out other eye problems. Getting your eyes checked can also help prevent other body discomforts that result from twisting your body to view the screen.
Compared to standing, sitting does not require as much muscle effort. But sitting can still cause exhaustion or fatigue because you must keep your body steady for hours. That reduces blood flow to your bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, sometimes causing pain and stiffness.
You can avoid hurting your neck, shoulder, and back by setting up your workspace correctly. Ensure that you have a comfortable chair and have your screen at the appropriate distance. Also, take regular breaks and go for short walks to stretch your muscles.
If you are not blinking enough when using your digital screen, your eyes may dry. Prolonged exposure to computer screens can affect how fast your tears evaporate. When tears evaporate too fast, your eyes will begin to feel dry.
Usually, CVS symptoms will clear up when you spend enough time away from your digital screen. You should also enhance your workspace and adopt healthy habits around your digital-screen use.
If CVS symptoms continue even after making the appropriate changes to your routine, you should visit your eye doctor. Persistent CVS symptoms can signal an underlying eye problem that requires treatment.
For more on computer vision syndrome, call Spectacles F.Y.Eye at (814) 234-7788 to reach our office in State College, Pennsylvania.