Digital Eye Strain
We wouldn't think about getting in between you and your screen.
Except with Blue Light Lenses.
Did you know the average American worker spends more than 7 hours in front of a digital screen each day?
That level of prolonged exposure may lead to eye discomfort and vision problems for many. Most of these symptoms are temporary and will decline after stopping use of digital devices, but good luck with that!
And if nothing is done to address the cause of the problem, the symptoms will reoccur and potentially worsen with future digital screen use.
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How am I affected?
The effects of digital eye strain are most commonly headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes and neck and shoulder pain. Causes are generally due to one or a combination of these issues:
- Improper lighting
- Glare from a digital screen
- Misaligned viewing distances
- Screen resolution and lack of contrast between text and screen
- Poor seating posture
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Are blue light exposure and digital eye strain the same thing?
Though blue light is associated with computers and other digital devices, the largest source of blue light is sunlight. Too much exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun increases the risks of eye diseases; however, we know less about the potential effects due to blue light particularly as it relates to digital devices.
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How can I prevent digital eyestrain?
- Wear your latest prescription. If you have prescribed vision correction, it is important to wear your prescription and follow recommendations provided by your optometrist. Visit your optometrist every year to ensure your prescription is up to date.
- Consider computer lenses. If you’re one of the many Americans who uses a digital device every day, consider lenses designed to reduce impact of looking at screens for long periods of time by eliminating glare and increasing contrast. Consider computer glasses to leave at work, guaranteeing you always have a pair on hand.
- Arrange your desk with your eyes in mind. Optimize your work environment to reduce harmful effects to your vision. Increase the text size on your digital device and adjust contrast to make content more readable. Position your computer display at least an arm’s length away and so that the top of the screen is at, or slightly below, eye level to decrease tension in the neck and back. If you find yourself tipping your head back to read the screen, computer glasses might be for you.
- Make the 20-20-20 rule a habit. Dry, tired eyes? You aren’t alone. According to The Vision Council, roughly 60 percent of Americans suffer from digital eye strain. Sustained digital device usage can wear eyes out and impact performance. As a rule of thumb, use the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds. This refocuses eyes and allows blinking to return to a normal rate.
- Schedule an annual eye exam. Having a routine comprehensive eye exam is the most important thing you can do to prevent or treat computer vision problems. Consult your local optometrist and schedule an annual eye exam to detect any vision issues early and ensure digital device usage does not impact your work performance.
