Does your job entail working all day on your computer? Whether you’re a tech guru or interior designer, spending hours at a computer can cause discomforting health issues, from back pain to eye strain.
You’ve heard that blue light glasses might help your tired eyes. Do they really work? The evidence says “no.” Better remedies exist for eye strain due to using computer screens.
Our board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrist at Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, administer a comprehensive eye exam if you’re experiencing tired eyes, headaches, dry eyes, or other troubling eye symptoms after spending all day at the computer.
It’s important to determine fact from myth when reading stories on the internet. You may have heard that blue light glasses help with digital eye strain. However, the American Academy of Ophthalmology says blue light isn’t the cause of eye strain.
Here’s the scientific explanation for digital eye strain: When you stare at a computer screen, you blink less often. Constantly staring at your screen dries the protective coating of tears on your cornea. Your eyes become dry and uncomfortable from the strain of looking at the screen without a break.
However, if you use screens extensively at night, the blue light may keep you awake. When looking at blue light, your body produces less melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate your sleep cycle. Experts recommend closing screens at least an hour before going to bed.
The following are helpful tips to reduce digital eye strain.
The 20-20-20 rule helps avoid eye strain. After 20 minutes, look away from the screen at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This process helps relax your eye muscles and gives your eyes a break from staring at the screen.
Blinking is nature’s way of lubricating your eyes. You blink less when working on the computer or staring at your tablet or phone. Your eyes can easily become dry and irritated. Dry eye syndrome is common for computer jockeys. Remember to blink.
Headaches and frequent eye strain may signal a need for a new eyeglasses or contact lens prescription. Call our office for an appointment.
If over-the-counter artificial tears don’t work, we can prescribe eye drops that help relieve your discomfort.
Your eye specialist may prescribe computer glasses for your intermediate vision needs. These can offer significant relief.
Don’t squint to read print on your computer. When possible, change the font so you’re not constantly straining to see the text.
Are you sitting too close to your computer? Your eyes should be an arm’s length from the screen. Sitting any closer places extra strain on your eye muscles, making your eyes tire easily.
You can purchase a screen glare filter, which lessens the light reflected from your screen. Use a task lamp that points away from the screen's surface. Try tilting the screen slightly downward to reduce reflections away from your eyes.
Call Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, today if you’re experiencing eyestrain or other vision problems.
