Computer vision syndrome is a common problem dominating today's world to a great extent. It's more commonly referred to as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome due to technological influence. Knowing the causes, symptoms, and remedies shall help a person prevent and relieve this discomfort.
Causes of Computer Eye Strain
Some of the reasons that can make extended digital device usage trigger eye strain are:
Screen Glare
Lights or window reflections on the screen add more workload for your eyes. If the light from any light source reflects off your screen, then you have glare. It makes it hard for your eyes to focus, thus adding extra work. This extra workload may result in fatigue and discomfort. Screen positioning, adjusting curtains or window blinders for good control of natural light, and having an antiglare screen protector can reduce glare. Reducing glare, therefore, means evading one of the major demands that people have while watching through screens - eye uneasiness.
Poor Lighting
It may put a strain on your eyes if it's too poor or too bright. Poor lighting will mean that your eyes have to strain to see well; too much brightness blinds and results in glare in the eyes. It's recommended to have balanced lighting whereby the place where the job is being done is well-lit without the formation of sharp shadows or reflections that hamper visibility.
Screen Brightness
A high contrast between your screen and the surroundings tires the eyes. If the screen you are working on is way brighter compared to the surrounding environment, it means your eyes will keep on adjusting to the changes thus causing stress. You can tone this down a little by adjusting the brightness of the screen according to the intensity of the light surrounding the device.
Symptoms of Computer Eye Strain
Now, since measures to deal with computer eye strain should be taken earlier than later, it's important to know its symptoms.
Eye Irritation
The feeling of itching, burning, or soreness in the eyes at all times. You may have a feeling of burn or itch, or you just get tired in your eyes when they go out of focus. You might also be facing troublesome eye irritation due to no attention to the work at hand. You can minimize that by taking regular breaks, frequently blinking your eyes, and applying artificial tears. One has to take proper measures to reduce the symptoms of strain and discomfort in time to avoid severe strain and discomfort.
Headaches
You are facing frequent headaches, more precisely, after hours of screen use. After all, eye strain might cause tension headaches that are generally felt at the front of the head, temples, and the back of the neck. It is created due to long attention over digital screens and light conditions. Reducing the risk of headaches:
Dry Eyes
A feeling that the eyes are dry or sandy. When viewing a screen, a person stares and, in turn, blinks less frequently. This could result in reduced lubrication and moistening by the eyes that lubricate them. The individual needs to more frequently blink their eyes, use lubricating eye drops, and work by the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, he needs to look at something that is 20 feet away and at least hold his gaze in that direction for 20 seconds.
Blurred Vision
It may hamper concentration, or it can cause blurred vision for some seconds. If it gets too exhausting in the eyes, then clarity to focus would not be clear, and the images would fade out from view once in a while. It may also look like a problem while reading the text or seeing any images on the screen. Thus, blurry vision can be reduced to a large extent by regulating the settings of the screen, taking breaks, and proper lighting.
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Preventing Computer Eye Strain
Apply an Anti-Glare Screen
An anti-glare screen protector could be applied to reduce the effect of the reflection. The anti-glare screens diffuse the light that hits your screen; this lowers the intensity of the reflections and eases focus by your eyes.
Adjust the Screen
Make sure the brightness is set according to what is around you. Make the text size larger. Try to change as many of the screen settings as possible to reduce eye strain to a great extent. Ensure that the brightness of the screen is correct and never extreme in terms of the brightness and darkness of the surrounding light.
Maintain Proper Distance
Keep your screen about 20-24 inches from the eyes. The top of your screen has to be either at eye level or a little below eye level. This means that one has to maintain the correct positioning of the screen to avoid possible eye straining and factors resulting in poor postures. The eyes will have to work double when one is so close to the screen to bring into focus what's on the screen, and inversely when one is sitting away too far, the text or other details may not be readable.
Treatment for Computer Eye Strain
If you are experiencing some sort of discomfort from computer eye strain, then some solutions may help alleviate the discomfort:
Eye Drops
Use lubricating eye drops to comfort dry, itchy eyes. More commonly known as artificial tears, these lubricating eye drops help to re-moisten dry eyes and relieve them of dryness and discomfort. These are available over the counter and come in preservative-free formulas for more sensitive eyes. Keeping your eyes well-lubricated and comfortable by applying artificial tears at periodic intervals will help you go through long spells of work on the computer.
Adjust the screen
You should adjust the screen to decrease glare and brightness. It is quite easy to change the position and setting of the screen so it becomes easier on the eyes. Ensure that your screen height and distance are correct and tilt it to reduce reflection. You can even adjust brightness, contrast, and even the size of the text for comfort.
Massaging and Warm Compress
Gentle massage on the temples and warm compresses on the eyes helps in relieving discomfort. Massage temples to dispel tension from headaches, and a warm compress may soothe dry, irritated eyes. One should soak a clean cloth in warm water and then wring out the excess for a warm compress. Lay the cloth over closed eyes for some minutes. It may relax the eye muscles and enhance tear production.
Conclusion
One of the most common problems in the digital world today is computer eye strain, and yet proper strategies can efficiently control it. It can lessen discomfort, make your vision safe, and put the workplace properly. Also, take frequent short breaks to apply prevention methods. In case you feel it persists, then visit an eye care professional. Doing so will help in getting personalized advice and treatment options that will be your fight against computer eye strain, and be on your way towards a better life with improved productivity in this age of technology.
