Digital Eye Strain: Eye Strain, you strain, we all strain with eye strain
Year after year, Canada continues to be one of the most wired countries in the world. According to recent studies, Canadians spend approximately 11 hours a day in front of some kind of screen: that’s about 4000 hours a year.
In today's technology-driven world, we rely heavily on digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. Many of us start our days on our phones to our online news sites or by turning on our televisions to watch the morning news. Then we spend the majority of our day using a computer or digital device. And when we get home we stream our favourite shows, play video games or entertain ourselves on our tablets.
Understanding Digital Eye Strain
Digital eye strain refers to a group of vision-related problems that arise from prolonged use of digital devices. The main culprits behind this condition include smartphones, computers, tablets, and even e-readers. The high prevalence of digital eye strain can be attributed to factors such as increased screen time, improper viewing distances, poor lighting conditions, and improper posture.
Common Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain
Have you ever experienced slightly blurred or double vision after staring at a digital screen all day? Maybe your eyes feel dry, fatigued or tired after scrolling through your Twitter (now “X” - the new brand) feed? Do you have a headache after a few hours spent on your computer? Or maybe you can feel it through your body with neck, shoulder or back pain? These are all signs of digital eye strain. These symptoms are often so common that we don’t even recognize them as real issues.
Causes of Digital Eye Strain
Several factors contribute to digital eye strain:
Blue Light Emission: Digital devices emit blue light, which can lead to eye strain and disrupt our natural sleep-wake cycle.
Reduced Blinking: Staring at screens for extended periods often leads to reduced blinking, resulting in dry and irritated eyes.
Screen Glare and Reflections: Poor lighting conditions and screen glare force the eyes to work harder to maintain focus, leading to strain.
Poor Posture: Incorrect posture while using digital devices can put additional strain on the eyes, neck, and shoulders.
Prevention Tips
Fortunately, there are several practical steps you can take to reduce the risk of digital eye strain.
Blink Regularly: Remind yourself to blink consciously to keep the eyes moist and prevent dryness. You may not notice, but when focusing on a computer, we blink less frequently – about one-third as often as we normally do! Blinking moistens our eyes to prevent dryness and irritation, and in turn, can reduce the stress on our eyes.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and focus on an object 20 feet away to give your eyes a rest. Looking into the distance allows the muscles in your eyes to relax.
Maintain Proper Posture: Sit at an appropriate distance from the screen and ensure your neck and shoulders are relaxed. Sometimes raising your monitor can help.
Consider Blue Light Filters: Use blue light filters or glasses that block or reduce blue light emission to help your eyes relax.
Minimize Glare: Position your device to reduce glare, use anti-glare screen protectors, and adjust lighting conditions in the room. Optimize screen brightness, contrast, and font size to ensure comfortable viewing.
Digital eye strain has become a prevalent issue in today's digital age. As we continue to rely on technology for work, entertainment, and communication, it is crucial to be aware of the potential causes and take steps to prevent digital eye strain. A proactive approach towards digital eye strain can go a long way in safeguarding your eye health and overall well-being in an increasingly digital world. Stay aware, take breaks, and prioritize your eye health!
