Digital Screens Can Damage Your Eyes

Almost one-third of adults spend more than nine hours in front of digital screens watching videos, reading posts, or playing games. The closer your are to the screen, the more likely you are to develop the infamous digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome.

Smartphones, laptop, computers, and TVs are undeniably a part of everybody's day to day routine. Nearly 65 percent of American adults suffer from digital eye strain due to eye exposure to a digital screen for at least two hours.

We cannot deny the fact that many are using two or more devices simultaneously. This makes people prone to eye discomfort, which is already a symptom of eye strain without them even noticing it. Irritated dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, back and neck pain are some of the symptoms of digital eye strain according to The Vision Council.

However, getting away from this phenomenon is not possible, especially to that adult who works in front of the computer every day. Meeting their deadline would be no excuse for spending too much time in front of the screens. Problems such as decrease productivity, increase fatigue, and eye disturbances such as eye twitching and eye redness are highly possible.

On the bright side, effects of eye strain can be alleviated. Routine consultation with an ophthalmologist is advisable. Proper lighting is encouraged; exterior lights can be avoided by closing the blinds, drapes or curtains.

Always remember to blink to keep your eyes from drying or you may use artificial tears as needed. A 20-20-20 rule was also introduced in CBS News. In every 20 minutes of facing the screen, you also need to pause for 20 seconds and stare to something 20 feet away. This rule will help restart and refresh your eyes. You sit 25 inches away from the screen of you computer and if you are already using eyeglasses, you may consider purchasing a lens with anti-reflective coating.