Written by: Stella Ryne • October 7, 2020• Health & Wellness

How Does Working on a Computer Affect Your Eyes?

In this modern world, most adults and children spend a lot of time in front of computer screens. Whether they do it for entertainment or to complete tasks, it’s commonly known that a lot of screen time can be bad for your eyes. Is this true?
Believe it or not, extensive computer use can lead to numerous uncomfortable symptoms such as blurred vision, eye strain, headaches, eye fatigue, dry eyes and many other. These symptoms affect both adults and children. But how does the computer affect your eyes?

Light and brightness

Even though there is no proof that the permanent damage to the eyes exists, extensive glaring at the computer screen can cause a lot of symptoms related to the eye discomfort. These symptoms are severely affected by the level of screen brightness and the lights in the room.

To prevent any further damage and discomfort, consider adjusting the lights and brightness. Your computer screen should be as half as bright as the light in your room. You can dim and adjust the artificial lights if necessary. Please make sure that the light ad brightness is adequately set before you let your youngster use the computer. Their eyes are still adapting to the bright lights, so, anything bright and flashing can be damaging.

Placement and posture

Not everybody knows that the screen placement is essential when it comes to protecting your eyes from the screen damage. Considering that many people don’t know how to sit at their desks properly, it can harm their eyes and posture. That’s why you need to adjust your screen level and posture.

Glaring at the screen causes a lot of eye strain. To prevent it, make sure that your screen is at your eye level. You might need to use the monitor stand or a couple of books to support your screen and set it to a certain height. It’s extremely important to adjust the screen height or the chair while your children are using the computer as well.

Computer vision syndrome

Computer vision syndrome isn’t an isolated problem. It’s a wide range of different eye discomforts and strains caused by extensive computer use. It usually happens to people who tend to work long hours on computers without taking proper breaks. What causes CVS?

CVS is caused by repetitive eye motions. The longer you stare at the computer, the more likely are you to feel some of the eye strain symptoms, that include blurred or double vision, eye irritation, red eyes and many more. These symptoms aren’t only uncomfortable if they last long, they can be also dangerous and affect your work-ability and productivity.

Take care of your eyes

Besides many other issues, computer screens, unlike papers, add contrast and sometimes flicker which can be tiring to our eyes. In addition to that, it’s proven that people blink far less often when using the computer, which causes dry and irritated eyes. Is there a way to take care of your eyes and prevent all that?

One of the best ways to take care of your eyes is by checking on them regularly. You may wonder “how to find the best optometrist near me.” The best optometrist is the one that offers a wide range of services, from comprehensive eye checks, over contact lenses fitting to children’s vision. Don’t neglect your and your children’s eyes, especially if you’re using the computer daily.

Beat the symptoms

Since the symptoms are causing so much discomfort and irritability, many people seek ways to minimize their effects. It’s commonly known that once you finish your work and turn off your computer, the symptoms weaken. However, is that enough?

To beat the eye strain make sure you take enough breaks during the day. Just like your body needs rest after strenuous physical activity, your eyes need frequent breaks from the screen. Don’t forget to adjust your chair and screen level regularly. You can also rearrange your desk and create a more comfortable working environment, as long as your eyes aren’t strained.

Conclusion

As you can see, computer screens do have a negative impact on your eyes. However, if you take frequent breaks and rest your eyes away from the screen, chances are your symptoms will disappear. Don’t forget your annual optometrist check-ups and take care of your eye health.

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