“When light from digital screens enters your eyes, they need to adjust and process the light so that it lands properly on our retina – an essential part of the eye that enables vision,” says Dr. Tsai. ‘Allows you to see the images clearly. However, if you spend too much time in front of digital screens, your eyes will have to work harder to refocus the light. After a long period of time, your eye muscles may feel tired if you work too much, a term known as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. ‘
The impact of digital eye strain is far-reaching. “It can cause eye fatigue, dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, reading problems, difficulty concentrating, photosensitivity and neck and back pain,” says Dr Tsai.
If you need to avoid eye strain, you should take adequate screen breaks during the day. “Many of us don’t even realize that we often stare at our phones when we take computer breaks,” she says. Follow line 20-20-20 to do this. “Remind yourself – and your kids – every 20 minutes to take your eyes off the screen and look at something that is at least 20 seconds away for at least 20 seconds,” she says.
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Try to maintain digital distance and keep the screen brightness low. Find a comfortable working distance from your screen. Children should keep devices as far away from their eyes as possible. Adults are encouraged to keep devices at arm’s length, ”says Dr Tsai. “Turn off the brightness level of device screens to reduce exposure to blue light, especially during evening hours.”
In addition, you may want to consider getting blue goggles. “Your eyes may become sensitive to harsh lighting environments, including excessive blue light from digital screens,” says Dr. Tsai. She recommends the VSP’s TechShield Blue AB lenses and the SunSync Elite Light-Reactive Lenses, “which reduce inside and outside blue light and change from dark to bright within seconds.” You can also find blue light glasses from Warby Parker, Glasses USA and Zenni, among others.
According to her, the best thing you can do is go to an ophthalmologist to come up with an eye health plan that works for you.
“Even if you are not currently wearing prescription glasses, an annual trip to the local ophthalmologist is of great importance to everyone,” says Dr. Tsai. ‘Not only can your doctor help you determine the best options to reduce eye strain, but he will also make sure your eyes are healthy and working well. It can also help detect early signs of serious diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, autoimmune diseases and high blood pressure. ”
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