WHAT CAUSES DIGITAL EYE STRAIN?
- Staring at computers, smart phones, video games or other digital devices for long periods of time will not cause any permanent ocular defects but may lead to dry eyes and digital eye strain.
- The average person blinks 18 times per minute, but studies have shown that this rate is reduced in half while using a computer or other device with a digital screen for work or recreation.
- Watching 3D movies causes headaches and nausea which proves that viewers experience problems of focus and depth perception.
- Reading, writing or intense “short-distance” working for long stretches of time may also cause eye strain.
Figure 1: Computer use may cause severe eye strain
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
- Sit about 60 cm away from the computer screen and align the screen to be slightly lower than your eye level.
- Properly lighten your working environment to reduce screen glare and use a screen filter if necessary.
- Make sure that lighting or sunlight do not reflect on the screen.
- Attach a sticky note on your computer screen to remind you to blink.
- For every 20 minutes spent using a screen, look away at something that is at least 5-6 meters away from you for a total of 20 seconds.
- Use artificial tears when your eyes get dry.
- Take regular breaks when you work on a computer and make sure to get a good night’s sleep.
THESE CONDITIONS MAY AGGRAVATE DIGITAL EYE STRAIN:
Lack of Sleep. Your eyes may get irritated when you sleep less than you need. Sleep provides your eyes with the long rest and the nourishment they require. If you are a contact lens wearer, discomfort in your eyes for a long time may cause swelling or infections.
If you have to work on a computer for long stretches of time, you should take regular breaks.
Apply warm compress to tired and dry eyes by compressing a clean cloth soaked in warm water on closed eyes.
- When your eyes feel tired and painful, stop working and take a rest or get some sleep.
Improper Contact Lens Use. If you are a contact lens wearer, it is important that you properly use and maintain them. Proper contact lens use is crucial for frequent users of computers or other devices with digital screens. This will help prevent discomfort, swelling, infection or vision problems in your eyes.
- If you experience redness, pain or vision problems in your eyes, take out your contact lenses and wear your glasses instead.
- If your complaints persist, visit your ophthalmologist.
- Never sleep with your contact lenses in even if they are recommended for long-term use on the packaging.
- Clean your contact lenses with your prescribed solution.
- Do not borrow lenses or solutions from a friend or another person.
- Do not let your lenses come into contact with water; use fresh solution every time you clean and store your contact lenses.
- Rub your contact lenses while cleaning them even if the solution you are using is a no-rub type.
- Regularly clean your storage case (with fresh solution, not with water) and replace it every 2 or 3 months.
If you experience any of these problems, stop wearing your contact lenses and immediately see your ophthalmologist.
