Digital Eye Fatigue Since COVID-19

If you feel like your screentime has dramatically increased in recent months, you are not alone. A Forbes.com article published in March 2020 revealed that Internet use increased up to 70% because of COVID-19. Since classes, work meetings, and even spending time with loved ones have switched to online video calls, it is easy to imagine how endless hours of screen usage can cause harm, especially to your eyes. To face this new reality, it has become increasingly important to protect your eyes from digital eye strain.

Are you experiencing Digital Eye Strain?
​(Common Symptoms)

Digital Eye Strain, also known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), describes many eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, or cell phone use. Common symptoms include:

• eyestrain
• headaches
• blurred vision
• dry eyes
• neck and shoulder pain
• loss of productivity

Computers are an integral part of our lives. According to the American Optometric Association, here are some actions you can take to prevent digital eye strain and still effectively accomplish all of your computer-related goals.

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Preventative Solutions

Prevent dry eyes by consciously blinking more often

• Why? - Studies found that while staring at a screen, the number of times people blink decreases to only a half or a third as much as they normally blink. Every time you blink, you refresh and clean your eyes by covering them with a fresh film of tears. 
• Solution - Remind yourself to consciously blink and take regular breaks by following the 20-20-20 rule! (every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break to focus on something 20 feet away) You can also repeatedly blink during your break to further provide relief for your eyes.​​

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Decrease blue light exposure

• Why? - Blue light contributes to eye strain, disrupts our circadian rhythm and interferes with sleep.​
• Solution - Limit screen time at night and add blue light coatings to glasses. In the evening, turn on “Dark Mode” or “Night Mode,” which can be found in the Settings of most devices.

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Create an ergonomic desk setup

• Why? - Long hours of typing with bad posture can cause neck, shoulder, or back pain.
• Solution - Sit about 25 inches (arm’s length) away from the screen and position the screen below eye level. 

Adjust your screen settings

• Why? - As opposed to reading a printed page, your eyes work harder to read from a computer screen because there is typically less contrast between the letters and the background. Glare and reflections on the screen add additional difficulties.
• Solution - Use a matte screen filter to reduce glare, increase the contrast on your screen, and decrease the screen brightness to match your surrounding level of light. 

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Schedule a comprehensive eye exam to fix any uncorrected  vision problems

• Why? - If your vision is not properly corrected for the specific viewing distance of your computer screen, you may need to tilt your head or bend towards the screen in order to see it clearly. This can result in an uncomfortable sitting posture and cause neck, shoulder, or back pain. Even minor vision problems can significantly decrease your comfort while viewing a computer.
• Solution - Call 818-882-9300 to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors for a comprehensive eye exam. 

Learn More from these source articles:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/markbeech/2020/03/25/covid-19-pushes-up-internet-use-70-streaming-more-than-12-first-figures-reveal/#6d65a0b83104
https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/protecting-your-vision/computer-vision-syndrome
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/computer-usage
https://www.aoa.org/news/clinical-eye-care/battling-blue-light
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