Digital eye strain is the physical discomfort felt after prolonged time in front of digital screens.
Did you know the average adult:
• Looks at, at least three different digital screens every day.
• Looks at their smartphone or iPad up to 60 times per day.
• Spends at least 12 hours a day consuming some form of media from a digital screen.
So, it is no surprise that staring at screens throughout the day can be hard on your eyes and may cause digital eye strain — even if you don’t currently wear glasses. Because screens are small, bright and we spend a lot of time staring at them, they make our eyes work hard.
Here are some of the most common conditions you can experience by staring at screens for too long:
Dry Eyes – when you look at something up close (eg your smartphone) you reduce your blink rate, which can cause dry irritated eyes.
Eye Strain – also known as ‘eye fatigue’ – can cause headaches, red, irritated eyes and neck or back pain.
Headaches – usually frontal (across the top of head) or to the temples (side of head) after prolonged close work.
How to protect yourself:
Good Visual Hygiene – take frequent breaks; watch your working distance and good lighting.
Protect your eyes against harmful blue light radiation from digital screens.
Use specialised lenses called anti-fatigue for all device use.
If you want to know more or have any eye-related problems, pop into Eyecare Plus Parkes at 267A Clarinda Street or call 6863 5577.