Digital Devices and Eye Strain

Written by Abhishek & Moderated by Dr Anuradha Totey

Digital eye strain as known as Computer Vision Syndrome is a group of eye and vision problems.

These problems are caused by too much desktop, laptop, tablet, e-reader or cell phone use for a long period. Abnormalities of accommodation or vergence have been also suggested as causative factors of Digital eye strain. The uncorrected refractive error also makes computer use less comfortable and efficient. Indeed, even individuals with immaculate vision may encounter indications, for example, obscured vision, eye fatigue and migraines with prolonged computer use.

Common causes of Digital eye strain include:

• Uncorrected refractive anomalies

• Failing to blink as often as normal

• Holding a digital device too close forces your eyes to work harder.

• Concentrating on a single task for a long time

• Maintaining poor posture when viewing a digital device

• Moving back and forth between looking at a screen and looking at other items – your surroundings, reading a paper at your desk at work, or talking with someone.

• Additionally, glare, the contrast of a screen contribute to eye strain, along with the emission of blue light.

So what would we be able to do about the related eye strain? Here are some tips to relieve your eyes.

1. Blinks!

Blinking helps to flush fresh tears and nutrients across the surface of the eye, this helps to keep it from getting dry. Try to make it a habit to blink more often when looking at a monitor or mobile screen.

2. Take eye breaks

Take regular breaks using the “20-20-20” rule. What's the 20-20-20 rule?

Every 20 minutes spent using a screen, you should try to look away at something that is 20 feet away from you for at least 20 seconds.

3. Lubricants

Artificial tears can help prevent and diminish dry eyes. Use them even when your eyes feel fine to keep them lubricated and to prevent recurrence of symptoms. Eye drops can guarantee your eyes remain greased up while utilizing a computer.

4. Use Computer Eyeglasses

Computer glasses made to protect your eyes while you work on your digital devices. The anti-reflective coated lens helps in reducing the glare that bounces off the screen and blocks the UV radiations emitted by the gadget.

5. Adjust screen settings

Change your screen brightness to coordinate the degree of light around you. Likewise, try increasing the contrast on your screen to decrease eye strain.

6. Adjust monitor

Adjust the monitor height directly in front of you so that the top of the screen is slightly below to eye level. Your eyes should look slightly downward when seeing the centre of the screen. Position the monitor about an arm's length distance (20 inches) from your eyes.

7. Check your seating position

The chair should be comfortably padded and conform to the body. Chair height should be adjusted so your feet lay level on the floor. The chair arms should be positioned so that they support your arms while you are typing. Your wrist should rest on the keyboard when typing.

Regular eye checkups and proper viewing habits can help to prevent or reduce the development of the symptoms associated with Digital Eye Strain.