Digital Eye Strain, The Epidemic of the Pandemic
- Posted on: Mar 30 2021
Far too many people have been directly affected by the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19. Even if you and yours managed to avoid contracting the virus, you may have experienced one of the other growing concerns that have been identified. In addition to increased anxiety and depression triggered by uncertainty and months of social isolation, many people, including children, have also developed symptoms of digital eye strain. It makes sense, seeing that we are using screens now more than ever. Here, we discuss what can be done to manage eye health as we continue to pave a path toward normalcy.
What is Digital Eye Strain?
We used to discuss digital eye strain as more of a computer-related syndrome. But society has changed and so has what we’re looking at. In addition to working on computers, learning on computers, and shopping on computers, we are now also texting on our phones throughout the day. We use our computers, phones, and other devices to stay connected via social media and to entertain ourselves with videos. Today, we understand that focusing on any type of screen for hours on end can lead to unpleasant symptoms.
The human eye is not made to stare at two-dimensional images for very long at all. Still, this is where we are. It isn’t easy to tell parents to curb their children’s screen time when they are now relying on that screen time for educational purposes. Parents, too, are faced with the need to look at screens more often as we have shifted to a work-from-home situation during the COVID pandemic. So, what can we do?
Notice the Signs of Eye Strain
It is time to implement eye-saving strategies when you notice the following:
- Dry eye symptoms, including soreness, stinging, redness, watering, or a gritty sensation.
- Eye fatigue, which may feel like pain around the eyes.
- Sensitivity to light and glare.
- Blurry vision
- Increased short-sightedness
Give the Eyes What They Need
Keeping in mind that the eyes are made to take in a three-dimensional world, you can develop ways to reduce digital eye strain by returning to that as often as possible.
Set a timer to go off every hour to remind you to close your eyes, apply lubricating eye drops, and look away from the screen. If possible, get up and go do another task for a few minutes. Even walking to the window and looking outside is extremely beneficial.
- Avoid eating in front of a digital device.
- Adjust the lighting on your devices.
- Adjust the font size on devices.
- Sit at least arm’s length away from any screen.
- Make more phone calls to reduce text messages and emails.
- Play games old-school, on a board instead of a screen.
Your eye health is an important matter even through the time of COVID. We’re here to support you. Contact us in Canfield, Alliance, or North Canton to schedule a visit.
Posted in: Digital Eye Strain