Computer Vision Prevention and Treatment in Schaumburg, IL
According to survey data, the typical American spends as much as 17 hours per day in front of a digital screen! While there's no question that computers, smartphones, and televisions play major roles in our lives, that doesn't mean they come without potential risk to our well-being. Even vision and eye health are negatively affected by excessive computer use. Here's what our Schaumburg optometrist wants you to know about computer vision syndrome.
Understanding Computer Vision Syndrome: Causes and Symptoms
Computer vision syndrome isn't a specific health condition. It is a collection of signs and symptoms that develop after a person spends too long in front of a digital screen. The main signs and symptoms of computer vision syndrome include:
- Blurry vision or trouble focusing
- Dry, itchy, and tired eyes
- Neck pain, jaw pain, and/or headaches
These symptoms are temporary, but can disrupt your ability to focus, read, study, and more.
Computer vision syndrome occurs for several reasons. For one thing, glare and high contrast on screens are demanding for your eyes. We tend to blink less and stare more while using computers, which may cause our eyes to dry out. Undiagnosed or uncorrected vision problems, like astigmatism or farsightedness, can make these symptoms feel even worse.
In addition, growing evidence suggests that excessive exposure to powerful blue light emitted by digital devices disrupts your body's normal sleep-wake cycle and can damage the tissues inside your eyes, which may increase the risk of cataracts and other vision problems.
Why See an Eye Doctor for Computer Vision?
If you use a computer at work or notice computer vision symptoms after using digital devices, contact an eye doctor, even if you have normal 20/20 vision. Our Schaumburg eye doctor can help you avoid computer vision symptoms by:
- Updating your current prescription eyewear with blue light lenses that can prevent harmful blue light from penetrating your eyes
- Offering ergonomic modifications that improve digital eye safety (e.g., installing blue light blocking screens or apps on your devices, changing overhead lighting, reducing screen contrast)
You can also do your part to prevent computer vision syndrome by minimizing the amount of time you spend in front of a screen and improving your habits whenever you are on a computer.
Are Your Eyes Harmed by Computer Use?
Don't gamble on long-term vision health by neglecting digital eye safety habits. Contact Dr. Harry of Lens n Specs by calling (847) 884-7150 to schedule eye exams for yourself and your loved ones today.
