These days, it's virtually impossible to escape from screens. Most of us work all day on our computers, spend part of our free time watching TV, keep in touch with our loved ones on our smartphones and not to mention social networking.
In our digital world, electronic devices play an essential role in our everyday lives. That's why paying special attention to our visual health is crucial, as our eyes can pay a high price for too much exposure to screens. So, if you value your eye health, don't binge-watch Netflix or spend hours scrolling through Instagram. Alongside screen-conscious habits, remember the importance of regular eye examinations to monitor and protect your visual well-being.
What is digital eye strain?
Digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome, is a consequence of our time in front of screens. Screens emit blue light and force our eyes to pay closer attention, requiring a more significant effort of accommodation.
Spending at least 3 hours a day in front of a phone, computer or tablet screen is enough to cause eye problems. As our lifestyles involve the use of screens, it can lead to visual problems.
What are the symptoms of digital eye strain?
- Red eyes: Keeping your eyes open while fixated on a strong light source can lead to inflammation of the blood vessels, usually resulting in red or itchy eyes.
- Eye fatigue: We can end up suffering from blurred vision by subjecting our eyes to heavy, prolonged exertion without pause or rest.
- Dry eyes: Dry eyes are one of the most common symptoms of computer vision syndrome. When we concentrate on a screen, our eyes may blink much less, increasing dryness.
- Intense light and the pressure to which our eyes are continually subjected can lead to headaches and migraines during and after screen time.
Tips to avoid eye strain
We all know that it's virtually impossible to limit screen use. For many of us, it's a necessary evil in the course of our work. But there are a few good habits we can adopt to limit the impact on our eyes and ensure their well-being.
- Keep a safe distance from your computer: When it comes to eye health, ergonomics plays an essential role. Your computer screen should be between 50 and 65 cm from you.
- Get a screen with good resolution: A good-quality screen, especially in terms of resolution, is an indispensable working tool for avoiding the symptoms of eye fatigue.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Follow this rule to the letter, pausing every 20 minutes to look for 20 seconds at an object 6 meters (or 20 feet) away. This way, you'll give your eyes a chance to rest and recharge their batteries before returning to work.
- Use artificial tears: It's essential to always have a bottle of eye drops on hand to protect your eyes from screen fatigue.
- Blink voluntarily: We may not realize it, but when concentrating on something like a screen, we often forget to blink. By forcing yourself to blink, you run less risk of suffering from dry eyes.
Use your free time to detox from screens: We know how tempting it is, after a long day at work, to turn on the TV and watch the latest episode of your favourite series. Or to clear your head on TikTok by watching videos of adorable kittens or impossible dance numbers. There's no shortage of ways to unwind by switching from one screen to another.
But why not break the routine by immersing yourself in a good book, spending quality time with friends, practicing a sport or simply going for a little stroll? Your body and eyes will be regenerated.
