With the Coronavirus (or COVID-19) keeping millions of Americans home, adults and children alike are spending more time than ever behind screens. Whether to work, study, or simply pass time, prolonged use of electronic devices can make you susceptible to Computer Vision Syndrome.
What is Computer Vision Syndrome?
Computer Vision Syndrome is a temporary condition that causes vision problems and discomfort in one or both eyes as a result of focusing on a computer, tablet, or smartphone screen for long periods of time. It’s also known as Digital Eye Strain.
Common Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome
If you’re suffering from Computer Vision Syndrome, you’ll likely find yourself suffering from one or more of these side effects:
- Irritated, dry, or strained eyes
- Headaches or migraines
- Blurry vision
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Worsening of extreme myopia (nearsightedness)
How much strain you experience can depend on varying factors such as:
- Room lighting
- The distance you sit from a screen
- Where you’re sitting
If you’re suffering from Computer Vision Syndrome and in need of immediate attention, you can visit us at the Valley Laser Eye Centre, Abbotsford’s best laser eye clinic. Otherwise, we recommend you take note of these guidelines when it comes to caring for your eyes at home.
1. Keep your room lights dim
When using a digital device for a long period of time, overhead lighting, along with the light from your screen, can take an incredible toll on your eyes. As a general rule, you’ll want to set artificial lighting to about half as bright as you would find office lighting to avoid exposure to too much light. If you can’t adjust your overhead lighting, consider using floor lamps or other sources of indirect light.
When minimizing natural light, try partially drawing the blinds or position your workspace so that you aren’t directly facing a window.
2. Minimize glare
When you’re driving through the city at night, the floodlights of a vehicle directly in front of you can cause difficulty seeing. This is called glare, and you can just as easily experience it by focusing on a reflective surface for several hours.
You can reduce glare indirectly by using devices in rooms with dark-coloured matte walls, or wearing glasses with anti-reflective coating. Another way to reduce the strain glare puts on your eyes is by purchasing an anti-glare screen protector and cleaning your computer screen on a regular basis.
3. Keep Blinking
We’ve all been there—sometimes in the heat of an exciting video game or thrilling movie, we forget to blink (and it’s more common than you think). In fact, the 15 to 20 blink average you experience going about daily tasks can decrease by up to half when behind a screen.
Combat dryness by slowly blinking your eyes at least 10 times every half an hour. This will help moisten the eye and reduce irritation.
4. Visit Valley Laser Eye Centre
Though many often take it for granted, your annual comprehensive eye exam is more important than you give it credit for. You may be suffering from an eye condition you don’t even know you have—and treating it early is key.
At Valley Laser Eye Centre, we provide the best laser eye services in Abbotsford. From LASIK surgery to a Refractive Lens Exchange, we use state-of-the-art technology to achieve dozens of solutions when it comes to vision correction.
Conclusion
With limited mobility, it can be difficult to veer away from our everyday devices, so you’ll want to ensure you’re taking the right precautions to avoid damaging your eyes.
Suffering from extreme myopia?
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Disclaimer: This blog post does not replace medical advice and should not be implemented prior to consulting a fully certified medical professional.
