Looking at your computer screen, smartphone, iPad or other digital devices for extended periods will not cause any permanent eye damage, but your eyes may become dry and fatigued. As a result, your vision might become blurry, secondary to ocular fatigue or eye strain.
What causes digital related eye strain?
Normally, humans blink approximately 15 times per minute, but research suggests people blink half to a third as often while using computers and other digital screen devices, whether for work or play. Prolonged reading, writing or other intensive “near work” can also cause eye strain in a similar fashion.
Eye Ergonomics Tips
- Sit about 2 feet, or arm’s length, from the computer monitor.
- Position the monitor so your eye gaze is in downward gaze
- Some monitors or digital screens have glass surfaces which in turn can give off considerable glare. You can reduce glare by using a matte screen filter if necessary.
- Take scheduled breaks using the “20-20-20” rule: every 20 minutes, shift your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds.
- You can use artificial tears to refresh your eyes when they feel dry.
- If a screen is much brighter than the surrounding light, your eyes have to work harder to see. Adjust your room lighting and try increasing the contrast on your screen to reduce eye strain.
A note to contact lens users: Contact lenses can exacerbate eye dryness and irritation common to heavy users of computers and other digital devices often. Some tips:
- Your eyes need rest from contact lens usage, so try to wear glasses when possible.
- Avoid sleeping in contact lenses, even if they are labeled “extended wear.”
- Always practice good contact lens hygiene
If your eyes are consistently red, blurry or watery, or they become sensitive to light or painful, see an eye care professional at AO Eyecare.