Eye Strain from Digital Devices

by Kevin Smith Author

Most people include digital devices as part of their daily lives. Whether it’s a computer, smartphone, tablet, television, video game, or e-reader, we spend much of our day staring at a screen. On average, 95% of Americans spend two hours or more a day using a digital device. While that number seems alarming, nearly one-third of all American adults spend nine or more housing using them daily. Washington residents are no exception.

Digital eye strain has become a growing issue in the United States due to the physical discomfort people feel with a digital device in front of their eyes for too long. And in Tacoma, eye care specialists see the same results. Among the most common symptoms beyond eye strain, people experience headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision, and even neck and shoulder pain, which likely stems from the posturing of the body while viewing the device.

What Causes It?

Digital eye strain can come from multiple sources. Typically, weblink on average roughly 18 times per minute. But weblink much less when we stare at a screen for a significant amount of time. Atypical blinking patterns can cause dryness, itchiness, and burning in the eyes. Another culprit is workplace posture and ergonomics. New research also suggests that constant exposure to the blue light between UV and visible light in the light spectrum can cause retinal cell damage, leading to cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Those most at risk to experience digital eye strain are people with computer-oriented jobs. Office workers who spend most of their time on a computer experience tear fluid changes much like dry eye disease along with their eye strain. Age also indicates those at risk. Because of generational differences in the amount of time spent in front of a digital device, young people (70% of millennials) suffer the most.

Preventative Measures

Digital devices help us connect with people, capture moments, and keep faraway loved ones close. But there are also unfortunate risks to our overall health. We’re often in the habit of bringing our digital devices everywhere we go and using them too often as a distraction. But the simplest way to avoid digital eye strain is to take a break occasionally from your device. Making a conscious of doing so can also help if you experience symptoms of digital addiction as well.

Some prevention tips include using computer eyewear to reduce blue light, glare, and reflection. Also, set up your workstation ergonomically to create a comfortable viewing distance of 20 to 28 inches from your eyes. Adjust the brightness and screen slightly below eye level as well. Take a break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. And blink more often, if you can remind yourself to do so.

Make a few small adjustments in your viewing habits and workspace to ensure lifelong healthy vision and prevent digital eye strain. Talk to a specialist for Tacoma eye care to learn more.