With so many people staring at screens, eye health is more important than ever. The average person uses computers, phones, or tablets for hours a day. This often results in digital eye strain, or Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), which causes dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision.

Fortunately, there are simple ways to keep your eyes healthy in this digital age.

What Is Computer Vision Syndrome?

Computer Vision Syndrome happens when the eyes tire from watching screens too long. Bright light, glare, and small text all make it hard for our eyes to focus. This leads to discomfort, especially when we spend hours without taking breaks. Symptoms of CVS often show up when screen time exceeds what our eyes can comfortably handle.

People with untreated vision issues, like astigmatism or farsightedness, may experience worse symptoms. However, these symptoms usually go away after a break from screens.

Preventing Digital Eye Strain

There are easy steps you can take to avoid digital eye strain. First, practice good posture. Sit so your elbows and knees are bent at 90-degree angles. Ensure your computer screen is about 20-26 inches from your eyes. This will reduce how much your eyes have to refocus throughout the day.

A helpful strategy is the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps your eyes relax. Minimizing screen glare also helps. Try closing the blinds or adjusting your screen’s brightness.

If you use reference materials, keep them close to your screen. This way, your eyes will not need to switch focus constantly.

Blue Light and Your Eyes

Blue light comes from screens, energy-efficient bulbs, and even the sun. It affects our body’s natural sleep cycle, known as the circadian rhythm. Too much blue light at night can trick the brain into thinking it is still daytime. This makes it harder for us to fall asleep.

To improve your sleep, you can reduce screen brightness in the evening. Many devices have a night mode, which makes the screen dimmer and easier on your eyes. You can also avoid screen use for an hour or two before bed.

Some people buy blue light glasses, hoping they will protect their eyes. However, blue light from screens does not damage your eyes. Blue light glasses may help with sleep but are not needed for eye protection. Limiting evening screen time is more effective.

Regular Eye Exams Are Essential

Routine eye checkups are vital in spotting issues before they get worse. Your doctor will test how well your eyes focus and work together. They may also look for any signs of Computer Vision Syndrome. Regular eye exams help catch problems early, even if you do not notice symptoms.

If you are diagnosed with CVS, your doctor might recommend glasses designed for screen use. They can also offer tips on adjusting your computer setup to reduce strain.

Eye Health Tips for Kids

Parents often worry about their children’s screen time. While screens do not harm developing eyes, too much time on them can lead to other issues.

To protect your child’s overall health, try to limit screen time. The professionals advise no screen time for kids under two years, except for video chatting. It is best to keep screen time to no more than one hour a day for children ages two to five.

For more on maintaining healthy eyes, visit Bright Eyes Vision at our office in Plymouth, Indiana. Call (574) 936-2272 to book an appointment today.

Sources:

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/digital-devices-your-eyes

https://www.uchicagomedicineadventhealth.org/blog/eye-health-digital-age-preventing-computer-vision-syndrome