Lately, you may have been experiencing headaches, burning eyes, blurred vision, fatigue, or all of the above while using your device.
This is often caused by constant or frequent use of all the screens in your life, including your phone, tablet, laptop, and TV.
According to a recent study published in the Journal of Medical Science's Cureus, people who constantly stare at screens or devices may experience things like eye strain.
Stay healthy: Treatment and prevention of dry eye syndrome caused by prolonged screen use
Vision experts looked at digital eye strain, a serious medical concern today, and what people can do to reduce their risk.
Let's take a closer look here.
What exactly is digital eye strain?
Digital devices such as computers and smartphones emit blue light. And when blue light enters the eye, it scatters before it reaches the retina, forcing the eye to work overtime to focus and process the light from a device's screen, he says of EYEWORKS. said his VSP Vision Network physician, Danny Mathews, OD. Fort Worth, Texas.
VSP Vision is the nation's largest and only nonprofit vision benefits company.
Vision experts looked at digital eye strain, a serious medical concern today, and what people can do to reduce the risk to their vision. (St. Petersburg)
“The result is visual strain and fatigue known as digital eye strain,” Matthew says.
This unfocused light is perceived as glare, he said. “The more blue light there is in the environment, the more glare there will be.”
Why are some people color blind? Learn the science behind it, including how to recognize the symptoms
Research shows that blue light is linked to the onset of digital eye strain after just two hours of exposure, and the Vision Council says more than half of Americans experience symptoms of digital eye strain. is.
“These symptoms are the result of your eye muscles working too hard to focus on the screen in front of you.”
Symptoms of digital eye strain include blurred vision, tired eyes, sore eyes, headaches, and dry eyes, Matthew said.
“These symptoms are caused by the overworking of the eye muscles to focus on the screen in front of the eyes and the effects of light emitted by the device,” he added.
“Try to take frequent breaks and look at objects other than screens and close-up equipment.” (St. Petersburg)
When we use digital devices, we don't blink as often, which doesn't give our eyes the proper amount of lubrication, resulting in dry and irritated eyes, Matthew told Fox News. told Digital.
What can you do to reduce your risk of digital eye strain?
You need to perform a few steps.
“Adjusting your screen to a more comfortable distance is an easy solution to minimizing digital eye strain,” says Jen Weiderman, also a VSP Network physician at Bidwell Optometry in Folsom, California. says the doctor.
The truth behind glaucoma's “silent vision thief'' and seven myths draws attention
“You can do this by moving your computer screen to arm's length or moving your smartphone further away.”
She also pointed out that adjusting the brightness of your device is another simple step that can help reduce glare and eye strain.
“Adjusting the screen to a more comfortable distance is a simple solution to minimizing digital eye strain.” (Neil Godwin/Future, via Getty Images)
Additionally, a way to combat dry eyes associated with regular computer or device use is to apply artificial tears, but be careful in choosing the product, Wederman noted.
“Make sure they don't contain preservatives and avoid common artificial tears at all costs, as there were a number of mass recalls earlier this year,” Weiderman said.
As eye drop recalls continue, here's what you need to know to protect your vision
“Your eye doctor can recommend options from reputable brands,” she added.
The symptoms mentioned above, such as eye strain, eye strain, and headaches, are “the result of the eye muscles working excessively to maintain clear and focused vision when looking at objects up close.” Weiderman said.
“Get up and walk around, stretch, or look out the window to give your eyes a break.”
“To combat this, take frequent breaks and try to look at other objects other than the screen or close-up equipment.”
What products can help reduce risk?
Lens products are available that reduce excessive blue light exposure. An example of this technology is his TechShield Blue AB, says Mathew of EYEWORKS.
“This is an anti-reflective lens coating that reduces blue light exposure and combats digital eye strain,” he said. “It also has a nearly transparent appearance, unlike other blue light reduction lens products that emit a strong purple or orange/yellow tint.”
If you experience eye discomfort, don't assume it's nothing, experts advise. (Cyberguy.com)
Although some blue light glasses products may be labeled as having the ability to “block” blue light, this can negatively impact a customer's visual experience, he said.
“For example, the product may block more light than wavelengths in the ultraviolet/blue range and may be difficult to see under certain lighting conditions,” Matthew said.
What daily changes can you make to reduce digital eye strain?
Bidwell Optometry's Waderman recommends taking frequent breaks if you find yourself looking at digital devices for too long.
“Get up and walk around, stretch, and look out the window to give your eyes a break,” she says.
Here's what you need to know about vision loss and how you can show your support for the visually impaired.
“Turn off your devices before you go to bed,” she also said.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, move your eyes and look at an object that is at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. (St. Petersburg)
“Also consider lowering your screen brightness or enabling blue light settings, such as night mode, to reduce glare from your devices.”
Click here to sign up for our lifestyle newsletter
Daniel A. Greninger, M.D., a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and an ophthalmologist at Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center in Antioch, Calif., said the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends following the 20-20-20 rule. He recommended that people remember to blink and defocus their eyes. .
Every 20 minutes, move your eyes and look at an object that is at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
If your eyes continue to feel uncomfortable, don't assume it's nothing.
“Instead, see an eye doctor,” says Greninger.
For more lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.
