Digital Eye Strain: Simple Guide
Digital eye strain has become common for many Jamaicans in our increasingly digitised society. Increased screen time from working on computers, scrolling smartphones, and using other digital devices has led to a spike in vision-related problems.
Understanding Digital Eye Strain
Digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome, is a collection of eye and vision-associated issues resulting from the lengthy usage of computers, tablets, e-readers, and smartphones. Numerous individuals suffer from discomfort in their eyes and vision problems when viewing digital screens for prolonged periods.
Normal Digital Usage
Everyday digital use varies widely depending on a person’s lifestyle, occupation, and personal habits. Generally, a few hours of screen time per day is considered regular use. This includes time spent on devices for work, school, social media, watching videos, and reading.
Prolonged Usage
Prolonged digital use, however, generally refers to screen time that significantly exceeds these normal use levels. Generally, it is considered prolonged if it comprises a substantial portion of waking hours, often resulting in more than 6-7 hours of screen time per day.
Recognizing Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain
The commonly observed symptoms of digital eye strain include:
- Dry or watery eyes
- Vision blurring
- Eye discomfort or fatigue
- Occurrence of headaches
- Heightened light sensitivity
- Difficulty in focusing
7 Essential Tips to Safeguard Your Vision
1. Adopt the 20-20-20 Rule:
For every 20 minutes spent looking at a screen, look away towards something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This technique, recommended by many ophthalmologists, is a proactive measure to reduce eye strain.
2. Optimize Lighting:
Your workspace should have adequate lighting. Excessive light or glare may contribute to eye strain. Additionally, light that is too dim will also cause eye strain.
3. Control Screen Brightness:
Your screen brightness should align with the lighting of your surroundings. Generally, downloading a blue light filter app for your screen and reducing the brightness before bed will help reduce eye symptoms.
4. Adjust Screen Distance:
Ensure your screen is at a safe distance. As a general rule, the screen should be about an arm’s length away, around 25 inches, and positioned slightly below eye level. This distance and angle can help to reduce strain on your eye muscles.
5. Update Your Monitor:
Consider investing in a contemporary flat-panel LED monitor with an anti-reflective surface. A very flexible monitor is also a plus as this will be much easier to adjust for height and distance.
6. Regular Eye Examinations:
Regular comprehensive eye exams play a crucial role in the early detection of vision problems. Discuss your digital device usage with your ophthalmologist at Premier Optical Ltd. today!
7. Consider Blue Light Lenses:
Glasses equipped with blue light filtering lenses can help protect your eyes from the potentially harmful blue light that digital screens emit. Buy a pair today at Premier Optical Ltd.
Take Your Eye-Health Seriously!
Taking practical steps can be instrumental in preserving your vision in the digital age. Remember, your ocular health is crucial, and initiating protective measures is always beneficial, regardless of your age. Investing in proper digital devices that optimize your vision is almost always worth it in the long run!
Superior Eye Care
At Premier Optical Ltd, we strive to deliver superior quality eye care. Contact us to schedule an eye examination or gain more insights on protecting your eyes from digital eye strain. Our home office in Kingston, Jamaica, always welcomes customers eager to upgrade their vision needs.