Scribd
Upload
19 views

Visual Health.

This document discusses the effects of excessive screen time on eyes. It notes that the blue light emitted from digital devices can cause digital eye strain and dry eye syndrome after extended use. Prolonged exposure to blue light is also linked to an increased risk of myopia and eye damage. The document recommends scheduling regular eye exams and taking breaks when looking at screens to protect eye health. Lifestyle changes like blinking more, using artificial tears, and optimizing lighting and posture are also suggested to reduce eye strain from excessive screen time.

Uploaded by

corangle2000
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
19 views

Visual Health.

This document discusses the effects of excessive screen time on eyes. It notes that the blue light emitted from digital devices can cause digital eye strain and dry eye syndrome after extended use. Prolonged exposure to blue light is also linked to an increased risk of myopia and eye damage. The document recommends scheduling regular eye exams and taking breaks when looking at screens to protect eye health. Lifestyle changes like blinking more, using artificial tears, and optimizing lighting and posture are also suggested to reduce eye strain from excessive screen time.

Uploaded by

corangle2000
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 10

Effects of

Excessive
Screen Time on
Your Eyes
We’ve all been there. The new
episode of your favorite show
comes out and you sit four
inches from your TV or
computer waiting in fear/
anticipation. But while you’re
asking all sorts of questions
about the fates of your favorite
characters, a question you
should also consider is: Will
this screen time cause
permanent damage to my
eyesight?
We are living in the digital age
and are constantly glued to
computer screens or other
digital devices. Although this
may seem “normal” nowadays,
too much exposure to the blue
light emitted from gadgets may
cause adverse effects to visual
health that eye doctors are
worried about. At our onsite
Howerton Eye optical shop, we
see patients all the time who
share concerns about blue light,
so we’re here to shine a light on
this topic and see what can be
done about it.

What is Blue Light?


High energy visible light, also
known as blue rays, are
produced by digital devices and
easily enter your eyes, thus
increasing the risk of eye
problems. This light has lead to
a condition known as “digital
eye strain” or “computer vision
syndrome”. Computer vision
syndrome is the visual
discomfort you experience after
watching TV or using tablets/
smartphones for an extended
time. Common issues include
sore eyes, Dry Eye Syndrome,
headaches, and nausea.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry Eye Syndrome is often a
chronic condition, which means
that individuals who don’t seek
treatment with an eye doctor
may be dealing with discomfort
or pain for several years. In
addition to living with stinging
and scratchy eyes, Dry Eye
Syndrome increases the
likelihood of eye injury or
infection. Because tears form a
protective barrier against
bacteria on the surface of the
eyes, patients who have Dry
Eye Syndrome are more likely
to develop infections.
Additionally, severe cases of
Dry Eye Syndrome can result in
high levels of inflammation and
even damage to the cornea.
What are the Other Risks?
Another long-term risk
associated with excessive
exposure to blue light that eye
doctors are concerned about is
myopia(near-sightedness). Myo
pia is a common vision
condition in which you can see
objects near you clearly, but
objects farther away are blurry.
This condition occurs when the
shape of your eye causes light
rays to bend (refract)
incorrectly, focusing images in
front of your retina instead of
on your retina. This issue may
grow rapidly or gradually, often
developing during childhood
and adolescence.
What Can be Done
Great TV shows may stand the
test of time, but your eyes aren’t
as iron-clad. It’s important that
you visit an eye doctor for
regular eye exams at least on a
yearly basis, and if you are
experiencing any of these tell-
tale signs of eye issues, even
sooner. Making the time to visit
an eye doctor at Howerton Eye
is beneficial for both the quality
of your eyes now, and their
continuing health in the future.
So schedule your
appointment today! Our eye
doctors can help check your
eyes for any issues and
prescribe solutions like HEV
Blue Filter Computer
Lenses now!
Lifestyle and
environmental
recommendations

 Blink – when looking at a screen, the rate at which we blink can


be reduced by half.

 Apply artificial tears or warm compresses when eyes feel


irritated and dry.

 Take visual breaks – an easy way to remember this is the 20-20-


20 rule (every 20 minutes, for 20 seconds, look at something at
least 20 feet away).
 Optimize the height of the desk, chair and screen to maintain
comfortable posture.

 Ensure that lighting is bright but not too harsh and directed away
from the eyes.

 Maintain regular sleep hours

 Stay hydrated

You might also like