Do you find yourself spending a large part of your day behind some type of screen? If so, you have probably wondered if looking at a screen, whether it be your computer, mobile phone, or tablet, can damage your eyes. Looking at a screen for a long period of time can cause computer vision syndrome or computer eyestrain.
Computer vision syndrome or computer eye strain occurs when you feel discomfort in your eyes because they are tired and fatigued from the hours you have worked on these devices. Below are common signs you may suffer from computer vision syndrome.
Computer vision syndrome can also happen if you tend not to blink as often while staring at the screen, which creates abnormally dry eyes. A normal blink rate should be about every 15 seconds and using these devices lengthens the amount of time between blinks, which leads to dry eyes, increased tear evaporation and computer eye strain symptoms.
Dr. Mozayeni, our premier LASIK eye surgeon, was interviewed on WBTV in Charlotte, NC regarding the relationship between poor eyesight and increased cell phone usage. He and others believe that by continuing to study trends on electronic devices’ effect on eyesight, ophthalmologists and eye surgeons can effectively prevent and treat computer vision syndrome at the earliest stages.
Because computer eye syndrome is so prevalent, it is very important to try and limit how much time you are looking at a screen. We have listed some practical steps you can take to improve your home and work conditions to enhance your eye health and decrease your chance of suffering from computer eye strain.
Is it time for your annual eye exam? Contact Providence Eye & Laser Specialists today to schedule your comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Vanessa Mills.
