These days, spending time in front of a screen - whether it's a computer, smartphone, tablet or wearable device - is the norm, and it is putting a lot of digital strain on the eyes.
"Digital eye strain is the physical eye discomfort felt by many individuals after two or more hours in front of a digital screen," stated the Vision Council in its 2015 Digital Eye Strain report. Its symptoms include headache, neck and shoulder pain, blurred vision and dry eyes.
According to the report, 30 percent of U.S. adults spend nine hours or more in front of a digital device daily. Additionally, more than 70 percent of them are "unaware of the potential dangers of blue light to eyes."
Is it possible to prevent digital eye strain in the digital age? The answer is yes. In fact, there are simple ways to minimize stress on the eyes.
First, follow the 20/20/20 rule: take a break from looking at the screen every 20 minutes and focus at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This quick break will refresh your eyes.
"The main cause of digital eye strain is working at a close distance," Jessi Lee, an optometrist from Park Slope Eye, told CBS Boston. "The human eyes weren't designed to spend 10 to 12 hours a day looking up close so it's a relatively new phenomenon."
Second, drink plenty of water to keep your eyes hydrated and prevent them from drying. Not blinking enough in front of the computer dries the eyes' corneas, which causes blurred vision, according to Worksafe Tips from Oregon State University. Also, avoid drinking beverages that are high in sugar, as these can also cause dehydration.
Third, modify your work environment by reducing the surrounding light and positioning your computer screen at arm's length. The screen should be just a little bit below the eye level and should have no need to be tilted. You can also have computer eyewear fitted to block the blue light from your screen and minimize the reflection from the surrounding or overhead light.
"It is important for consumers to be proactive about their vision health and to monitor if constant exposure to digital devices is impacting their eyes," said the Vision Council. "Practicing good eye health and proper eye care are key to preserving your vision."
