What Computer Screens Can do to Your Eyes

In this age of 24/7 connectivity, we often find ourselves staring at computer, television, and smartphone screens for hours each day. Our parents always warned us that watching too much TV would hurt our eyes, but does the same rule apply to the smartphones we hold in our hands, the tablets we use to surf the web, or the computers we work on?

The answer is yes. In our always-connected world, screens are ubiquitous. But if you’re not careful, you may develop eye-related conditions because of them. Users of such screens often complain of symptoms such as eyestrain, headaches, fatigue, dry eyes, and difficulty focusing. Though these conditions are only temporary, they can be uncomfortable and exacerbate pre-existing eye conditions.

How Computers Hurt Our Eyes

One of the most common conditions stemming from constant computer use is the aptly named “computer vision syndrome”. This condition, which is estimated to affect 50-90% of computer users, occurs when people stare at their monitor for hours on end, putting strain on their eyes and fatiguing the eye muscles.

When using a computer, our eyes repeatedly perform the same activities – continually focusing, moving back and forth, aligning themselves – and these activities require a lot of effort from the eye muscles. The longer someone uses a computer, the worse computer vision syndrome can become, resulting in symptoms such as:

• Blurry vision
• Eyestrain
• Dry eyes
• Eye irritation
• Headaches
• Itchy eyes
• Difficulty focusing

Luckily, these symptoms are only temporary. However, they can often be debilitating or irritating enough to affect work.

How to Avoid Computer Vision Syndrome

Aside from forgoing computer screens altogether, the best way to avoid unnecessary eye strain and fatigue while using a computer is by following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, stare at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. By doing so, computer users give their eyes a break from the digital glare of their screens and help to alleviate dry eyes or redness.

Another way to avoid eye issues due to computer use is by blinking often. When looking at a screen for long periods of time, many users forget to blink. This results in dry eyes and irritation. Simply remembering to blink often is a quick and simple way to avoid irritation.

Who is Vulnerable to Computer Screen Eye Conditions?

Computer vision syndrome doesn’t strictly affect computer users. Staring at any screen for long periods of time can cause eye conditions, even in children! Kids who stare at video game screens, play cell phone games, or watch too much TV are at risk for developing computer vision syndrome. It turns out our parents had our best interests at heart after all!

Contact Beverly Hills Medical Center

At the Beverly Hills Medical Center of Kuwait, our ophthalmologists treat a number of issues and conditions that affect the eyes. This includes dry eyes, eyestrain, and numerous other symptoms of computer vision syndrome. If you would like to schedule a consultation with our specialists, please contact us at +(965)-222-89999 today!

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