Digital Eye Strain: How the Increase Use of Digital Devices is Affecting Our Eyesight

The pervasiveness of technology has touched nearly every aspect of our lives, such as the way we stay on top of current events.

Based on the report published by the Pew Research Center, people in America are consuming more news on the Internet than ever before.

Social media is slowly but surely becoming the main source of news. We stay glued to our screen’s glow, not resisting the urge to unlock the phone.

Most importantly, technology revolutionized the workplace, bringing about change in the way employees, co-workers, and managers communicate. Multiple gadgets are used at work to increase productivity.

Besides the traditional computer, we end up using devices such as tablets, phones, smartwatches, and so on. They’re used as resources, not entertainment means. 

You may ask: “What’s the problem?”. Well, we’re becoming increasingly dependent on technology. Indeed, electronic devices are wonderful things, making our lives easier and more convenient, but our eyes are suffering daily as a result of prolonged usage.

The most common and troubling symptom is digital eye strain. It’s an eye and vision-related issue that is caused by the obsessive use of digital technologies.

Digital eye strain affects more than 50% of people, adults and children alike, so it can be regarded as an emerging public health threat. Digital devices emit blue light, which causes eye strain and can even lead to problems over time. 

What are some of the most common symptoms of digital eye strain? 

Digital eye strain signs and symptoms can include: 

■ Tiredness and dryness

■ Difficulty refocusing the eyes

■ Headaches 

■ Blurred/double vision 

■ Neck and shoulder pain

■ Eye discomfort 

Apart from glaring at digital screens, other causes that can explain eye strain are poor lighting, inadequate viewing distances, poor sitting posture, and uncorrected vision problems. Equally, a combination of the aforementioned factors can lead to tired and irritated eyes.

Without even realizing it, we stare at the screen, while the eyes are working very hard to focus and create sharp images. The eyes react to the changing images on the screen so that the brain can process the information. Needless to say, all this demands a great effort from the eye muscles.

Unfortunately, not many people are talking about this problem because they consider eye strain normal. Everyone’s lives have been turned upside down by this new normal.

If nothing is done to address the root of the problem, the symptoms recur and even worsen with future digital screen use. 

Addressing digital eye strain: Can computer glasses help? 

Eye care professionals recommend addressing digital eye strain through behavioral management, such as blinking more often and taking regular breaks from the digital screen to look at distant objects.

While there’s no denying the efficacy of these pieces of advice, it’s necessary to invest in a pair of glasses. Anyone who sits for long periods of time working on a computer should be wearing glasses.

Attention needs to be paid to the fact that computer glasses are different from eyeglasses and reading glasses.  They allow the eye to focus on the computer screen, which is farther away as compared to traditional reading material.

The glasses filter out blue light given off by the digital screen, reducing potential damage to the retina from prolonged exposure. 

As far as digital eye strain is concerned, women are more likely to report symptoms as opposed to men. Nonetheless, that doesn’t mean that men aren’t vulnerable to the negative effects of blue light.

They use computers and laptops every day, probably more than women do. Many have started to acknowledge the importance of wearing protective eyewear while working.

Men computer glasses alleviate eye strain, fatigue, and tiredness. Companies have come up with exclusive ranges of eyewear for men and women alike. Stylish options can be purchased without a prescription.

The frames come in various styles, so it’s possible to find something that suits your taste. Style isn’t as important as eye protection, but it’s an important consideration.

Anyway, these days, it’s possible to find computer glasses that look good on any gender. 

When vision is impaired, it can significantly impact the quality of life

Having good vision is important for overall health. People who struggle with vision issues are more likely to experience high blood pressure, poor hearing, and depression.

When vision is impaired, your quality of life is severely affected. It becomes hard to carry out normal activities satisfactorily.

If you keep your eyes in good condition, you’ll be able to avoid strain. The result is that your health gets better and you enjoy other benefits that come with living a normal lifestyle.

At present, we can’t do without digital screens. Technology has evolved to the point that it has become an integral part of life.

You can put the phone down, but if your job relies on computer use, there’s nothing you can do, except protect your eyes with a pair of special glasses. 

Computer glasses are a good choice as opposed to bifocals and progressive lenses. The explanation lies in the fact that the latter aren’t suitable for the distance to the computer screen.

Eyeglasses that filter out blue light from computers, smartphones, and tablets enjoy widespread popularity. They’re comfortable, look good, and have the power to improve workday and sleep outcomes. Besides wearing computer glasses, it’s recommended to take one or several of the following steps: 

■ Reduce glare in the room. 

■ Replace the LED screen with an anti-reflective surface.

■ Exercise the eyes. 

■ Take frequent breaks.

■ Make an effort to blink often. 

All in all, we’re now dependent on digital devices, but we don’t truly comprehend the scale of its influence on our eyesight. Like drinking water, being digital is noticed only by its absence.

Screen time is bad for the eyes, but let’s not forget about the impact that it has on the brain. Humans haven’t evolved to stare at bright screens all day long.

This is why it’s necessary to be cautious when leveraging technology. It’s not to say that computers and other digital devices are bad. It’s just that we need to be mindful about protecting our eyes. 

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