Screen Usage and Eye Issues
If you’re like most people these days, you look at screens – mobile devices, video games, computer monitors, or large screen televisions. Even though its usage is commonplace and often necessary to conduct daily life, there is at least one negative issue associated with all these screens – how it affects your eyes.
Frequent use of screens for long periods of time can lead to a group of eye problems known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). This syndrome includes a range of eye-related problems. And it doesn’t matter if you are a grownup, teenager, or child; CVS can affect anyone who experiences constant and prolonged screen usage.
Symptoms of CVS
CVS happens when you make your eyes do the same, repetitive actions – focusing and refocusing all the time, with few moments for changing their path. The more you do this, the worse CVS becomes.
Do you have some or maybe even all of the following symptoms?
- Double or blurred vision
- Dry eyes
- Irritated or aching eyes
- Headaches
- Neck or back pain
If you answered yes to most of these symptoms, and the issue isn’t caused by anything else such as allergies or injury, you could have CVS.
What You Can Do About CVS
There are simple ways that you can combat the effects of CVS.
- Step away from the screen! Honestly. The less time you spend looking at a screen, the less strain your eyes will have. Replace your screen downtime with reading, a short walk, or even playing a card game.
- If you need to look at a screen, follow the 20-20-20 guideline: every 20 minutes, look away for 20 seconds at something that is 20 feet away.
- Reduce glare as it can exacerbate CVS. Lower the brightness of the screen, close curtains to reduce glare, and consider getting an anti-glare cover for your monitor.
You may think that eye strain is just part of screen life, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow a few simple tips to reduce both your screen usage and its affects, and make your eyes happy again.
