عینک eyewear

What is screen time defined as?

"Screen time" is a term used for activities done in front of a screen, such as watching TV, working on a computer, or playing video games.

What is a healthy screen time? [1]

Health experts say screen time at home should be limited to two hours or less a day. The time we spend in front of the screen, unless it's work- or homework-related, could be better spent being more physically active (increasing our energy out).

How much screen time by age?

Recommended time limits

• Under 2 years old: Zero screen time, except for video chatting with family or friends.
• 2-5 years old: No more than one hour per day co-viewing with a parent or sibling.
• 5-17 years old: Generally no more than two hours per day, except for homework.

Screen time is a sedentary activity, meaning you are being physically inactive while sitting down. Very little energy is used during screen time.

Most American children spend about 3 hours a day watching TV. Added together, all types of screen time can total 5 to 7 hours a day.

Can mobile cause astigmatism?

For example, prolonged and frequent use of electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets can cause eye strain and fatigue, leading to worsening astigmatism symptoms. Excessive exposure to UV rays from the sun or bright lights can also contribute to the development and progression of astigmatism.[2]

Too much screen time can:

• Make it hard for your child to sleep at night
• Raise your child's risk for attention problems, anxiety, and depression
• Raise your child's risk for gaining too much weight (obesity)

Screen time increases your child's risk for obesity because:

• Sitting and watching a screen is time that is not spent being physically active.
• TV commercials and other screen ads can lead to unhealthy food choices. Most of the time, the foods in ads that are aimed at kids are high in sugar, salt, or fats.
• Children eat more when they are watching TV, especially if they see ads for food.

Computers can help kids with their schoolwork. But surfing the internet, spending too much time on Facebook, or watching YouTube videos is considered unhealthy screen time.

How to Decrease Screen Time

Cutting down to 2 hours a day can be hard for some children because TV may be such a large part of their daily routines. But you can help your children by telling them how sedentary activities affect their overall health. Talk to them about things they can do to be healthier.

To decrease screen time:

• Remove the TV or computer from your child's bedroom.
• Do not allow TV watching during meals or homework.
• Do not let your child eat while watching TV or using the computer.
• Do not leave the TV on for background noise. Turn on the radio instead, or have no background noise.
• Decide which programs to watch ahead of time. Turn off the TV when those programs are over.
• Suggest other activities, such as family board games, puzzles, or going for a walk.
• Keep a record of how much time is spent in front of a screen. Try to spend the same amount of time being active.
• Be a good role model as a parent. Decrease your own screen time to 2 hours a day.
• If it is hard not having the TV on, try using a sleep function so it turns off automatically.
• Challenge your family to go 1 week without watching TV or doing other screen-time activities. Find things to do with your time that get you moving and burning energy.

Suicidal thoughts

The most recent study, published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, found that girls who had two to three hours of daily screen time beginning at age 13 were more likely to have suicidal thoughts in their later teen years. The same study showed that teenage boys, especially those who were the objects of cyberbullying, were also more likely to have suicidal thoughts in young adulthood.

Another study, published last month in the journal PLOS One, found that teens who spent more than three hours a day for reasons other than school are chronically stressed, sad, and think about suicide more often than those who spend less time with screens, the study showed. They also exhibited more emotional and physical problems.

“The results suggest the need for interventions that increase the awareness of the risks for adolescents who spend an excessive amount of time using the Internet,” the researchers concluded.

Critical thinking

Lead study author Sarah Coyne, associate director of the School of Family Life at Brigham Young University, tells parents not to panic, and not to forbid all screen time outright. Just set reasonable limits, she told the New York Post.

In addition, she encourages her own 13-year-old daughter to think critically and pay attention to the time she spends online.

“We say, ‘When you’re on TikTok, how does it make you feel? Who are you following?’ ” she told the paper. “If it ever feels like they’re bringing you down, or [making] you feel about yourself, you need to think, ‘Maybe I need to take a break,’ or ‘Maybe I need to not follow this person.”

Reference:

1. medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000355.htm
2. nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/wecan/reduce-screen-time
3. informedfamilies.org/catalyst/the-danger-of-too-much-screen-time-for-teens

See also:

• Manage your child's screen time
• What Causes Astigmatism to Worsen?
• The Danger of Too Much Screen Time for Teens
• Digital Eye Fatigue Can Lead to Lazy Eye in Children

What is screen addiction?

Screen addiction is a group of behaviors that are negative, some negative outcomes that can happen when we use too much technology during our day. So prolonged use of watching TV, video games, scrolling through social media all of that use acts like a digital drug for our brain.

How many hours of screen time is considered an addiction?

How Much Screen Time Is Too Much? The American Optometric Association (AOA) found that people who use screens continuously for two or more hours a day are at the greatest risk of developing computer vision syndrome, the most prevalent side-effect of screen addiction.

Are screens bad for your brain?

Screen time may affect its growth. A study called Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) revealed that some kids who use screens more than seven hours a day had a thinner cortex than those who used screens less. Future studies hope to show how this will affect kids' brains over time.

How much screen time is healthy?

What's a healthy amount of screen time for adults? Experts say adults should limit screen time outside of work to less than two hours per day. Any time beyond that which you would typically spend on screens should instead be spent participating in physical activity.

How much screen time per age?

Yousuf said pediatricians generally recommend the following guidelines: Under 2 years old: Zero screen time, except for video chatting with family or friends.

• 2-5 years old: No more than one hour per day co-viewing with a parent or sibling.
• 5-17 years old: Generally no more than two hours per day, except for homework.

Physical Effects

The most prevalent physical effect of screen use is the great demand it puts on the eyes. Digital eye strain and computer vision syndrome are reported in 50% to 90% of people who work at computers daily.

Symptoms of digital eye strain and computer vision syndrome include:

• Dry eyes
• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Headaches
• Neck and shoulder pain

While many of these physical symptoms will resolve after screen use has stopped, long-term eye strain can lead to permanent vision problems.

Physiological And Mental Effects

Screen addiction can contribute to physiological and mental effects like insomnia, stress, and depression.

Depression

Depression is the most common mental health condition associated with screen addiction. A study from Preventative Medicine Reports found a correlation between higher screen time usage and moderate to severe depression levels, with higher rates found among females. The study found that four or more hours of daily screen time was the tipping point for heightened risk of depression.

Insomnia And Poor Sleep

Using screens before bed can lead to many issues that affect a person’s sleep quality. Blue light from devices can delay melatonin production, leading to a lack of sleepiness. Likewise, engaging in stimulating games or watching exciting shows can also make a person feel more alert. Screen addiction heightens the risk for these factors, as a person spends excessive time on these devices and puts off sleep.

Stress

Some people claim to use screen time to zone out and take a break from the day’s stressors, but the reality may be that this time is a source of stress. Fear of missing out (FOMO), lowered self-esteem, and loneliness are some of the stressors associated with screen addiction. The Journal of Medical Internet Research found that people who used screen time for entertainment and social networking experienced 19% more emotional stress than those who used screen time for professional purposes.

How To Cut Back Screen Time

If you feel like you are spending too much time looking at a screen, there are methods for cutting back.

20-20-20 Rule

For temporary eye strain relief, the AOA suggests using the 20-20-20 method, which directs a person to take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to focus on an object at least 20 feet away. This gives the eye a break from the blue light and allows it to relax by focusing on something further away.

Time Limits

Many studies recommend limiting personal screen time to 30 minutes per day for optimal effects. Since this may be a drastic change for some, limiting screen use to one hour a day is also beneficial.

Likewise, taking a three-to-four-hour break from screens can create an overall healthier relationship, as the perception changes from looking at screen time as a necessity to an activity of choice.

Digital Detox

A digital detox may be the best option for people who feel like their screen addiction has gotten out of control. This does not necessarily mean giving up all screen use but encourages users to cut back on non-work-related screen time.

Taking scheduled breaks or putting the phone away before bedtime can be the first step in resetting and creating new, healthier relationships with screens.

Treatment Options For Screen Addiction

Screen addiction treatment often involves a mixture of behavioral therapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes often include limiting screen time and searching for alternative ways to fill free time, specifically ones that do not involve technology. Finding new hobbies and interests can help reduce dependence on technology. Engaging in social interactions in person is also a great alternative to using smartphones for social interactions. In some cases, prescribed medication may also help address underlying mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, that may contribute to screen addiction.

More formal treatment options used to address screen addiction may include:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy encourages people to change their thoughts and behaviors related to screen use and addiction. CBT can help individuals develop new and healthy coping skills and habits, identify and address triggers related to screen use, and learn how to utilize their time and energy more appropriately.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

This type of therapy refers to mindfulness strategies that can help an individual learn to manage stress and anxiety, which are often common triggers for screen use. Practicing mindfulness can teach a person to be more present and aware of their thoughts and feelings. This increased awareness can help individuals reduce their desire for screen time.

Family Therapy

Screen addiction can significantly impact relationships with loved ones. Family therapy can help address these issues. Family therapy can help family members develop healthier communication patterns, boundary setting around screen use, and other ways to support each other in reducing screen time and spending more time with each other.

Group Therapy

Group therapy can offer a supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere for individuals struggling with screen addiction. Individuals can share their coping strategies for managing screen use and gain support from others experiencing the same challenges.

Individual Counseling

Individual counseling can help people get to the root of their problems. There may be a bigger reason why someone has immersed themselves in technology. Individual counseling can help a person address many deep-rooted issues from trauma and relationship problems to grief and loss.

Reference:

• premierhealth.com/your-health/articles/health-topics/screen-addiction-affects-physical-and-mental-health#
• How to Encourage Technology Literacy in Kids Without Screen Addiction? (narayanaschools.in)
• Screen Addiction Explained: Effects and Coping Strategies (addictioncenter.com)

Blue light, which is part of the visible light spectrum, reaches deeper into your eye and its cumulative effect can cause damage to your retina and it is connected to the development of age-related macular degeneration. Blue light is not just entering your eye from natural sources like the sun. Sunlight is the main source of blue light, and exposure outdoors during daylight is the main source for most people.

Blue light lenses have become increasingly popular in our digital age. While there’s no proof they protect against certain eye conditions, there are well-documented benefits, particularly in regulating our sleep-wake cycle.

Hormone Regulation

Exposure to blue light, particularly during the evening, has been shown to disrupt melatonin production, the hormone responsible for regulating our sleep-wake cycle. This disruption can lead to difficulties falling asleep and achieving restful sleep.

Blue light lenses can help mitigate the impact of blue light by limiting how much reaches your eyes, supporting the natural release of melatonin and promoting a more restful and rejuvenating sleep.

There are also many man-made, indoor sources of blue light, including fluorescent and LED lighting, and flat-screen televisions. The display screens of computers, electronic notebooks, smartphones, and other digital devices emit significant amounts of blue light, although it is only a fraction of the amount of blue light emitted by the sun. In a laboratory,sources of blue light are blue LED arrays and intense white light sources (projection lamps, floodlights, microscope lights,welding arcs, etc.).The most common type of LED used in electronic devices is a white-light LED, which actually has a peak emission in the blue wavelength range (400 – 490 nm).

Depression & Anxiety Management

Research has consistently indicated a connection between disrupted sleep and susceptibility to depression and anxiety. Blue light lenses can effectively regulate our sleep-wake cycle and indirectly support mental health. These lenses promote healthier sleep patterns and overall well-being. eResearch by Navid Ajamin -- winter 2017

Blue light lenses may contribute to improved hormone regulation and alertness and provide benefits for managing depression and anxiety.

But blue light lenses are not only helpful for those who spend time in front of digital devices—they can also be beneficial for outdoor use, such as when engaging in activities in direct sunlight. These lenses help reduce glare and make it easier to focus on your activity or enjoy the scenery around you.

Always consult an eye care professional for personalized advice and recommendations regarding your eye health needs.

During daylight, blue wavelengths of light can be beneficial, playing an important role in setting circadian rhythms, boosting attention and mood. But we didn’t evolve to be exposed to it as much as we are. In addition to the ample blue light in sunlight, most of the light we are exposed to via digital devices is also blue.

For example,Moreover, the eye’s cornea and lens are unable to block or reflect blue light.

If you have presbyopia and routinely wear bifocals or progressive lenses, prescription computer glasses give you the additional benefit of a much larger field of view for seeing your entire computer screen clearly. (Keep in mind, though, that this type of computer eyewear is exclusively for seeing objects within arm's length and cannot be worn for driving or other distance vision needs.) Also, a number of lens manufacturers have introduced special glare-reducing anti-reflective coatings that also block blue light from both natural sunlight and digital devices.

Advice when using smartphones and tablets

• Set your device to auto brightness.
• Hold your tablet or smartphone at arm’s length (or about 70cm) from your eyes.
• Make the font bigger to stop strain on the eyes.
• Only use the device for a couple of hours a day in one sitting.Then take a break and come back to it later.

In addition:

• Have your eyes tested regularly and take regular breaks from your computer and hand held device.
• Use good sunglasses with a UV filter when outside.
• Have a healthy and varied diet rich in Vitamin A, lutein, zeaxanthin and mesozeaxanthin which comes from spinach and peppers which will protect the eyes.

Key Points About Blue Light

• Blue light is everywhere.
• HEV light rays make the sky look blue.
• The eye is not very good at blocking blue light.
• Blue light exposure may increase the risk of macular degeneration.
• Blue light contributes to digital eye strain.
• Blue light protection may be even more important after cataract surgery.
• Not all blue light is bad.
• “Health clock” hormones like melatonin are controlled by your body’s exposure to blue light.

Damaging effects of blue light

Too much light in the ultraviolet and blue-violet bands can damage the human eye.

As well as leading to painful inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea, it can also cause damage to the eye's crystalline lens (e.g. cataracts) and especially to the retina (macular degeneration).

That's why it is so important to wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection in strong sunshine, especially in situations where there is a lot of glare such as on water or snowy mountain
slopes.

According to Harvard researchers, exposure to blue light at night “throws the body’s biological clock—the circadian rhythm—out of whack” and may contribute to an increase of sleeping disorders, blood sugar, hunger, depression, cancer,diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Blue light during the day helps us feel awake and sets our bodies’ schedule to fall asleep at night, which is critical for migraine sufferers.

All digital devices with viewing screens emit significant amounts of blue light (also called "high-energy visible light" or "HEV light") which might increase a child's risk of macular degeneration later in life.

Blue light glasses were first invented in the 1960s to assist with this growing issue but became popular beginning in the early 2000s. They work by blocking a percentage of blue light with a special coating on the lenses that reflect it away from your eyes.

Founded in Chicago in 1986, BluBlocker Sunglasses made history with a revolutionary lens that reduced brightness while increasing contrast and visibility, using the same groundbreaking technology originally developed for NASA to block harmful UV rays and blue light during space travel.

BlockBlueLight was founded by Daniel Ebbett in 2016, born out of his personal struggle with chronic insomnia and migraines.

What are Z-blue lenses?

Z1 lenses: Z-Blue™ is used for persons who are sensitive to flashing lights and repeating patterns. This lens cuts down on wavelengths from 580-640nm, they reduce the amount of light and filter out red light.

Though the sun emits significantly more HEV light than computers and other digital devices, the added exposure to blue light kids receive from these devices and how close these electronic screens are to a child's eyes for hours each day have many eye care providers worried about potential eye damage over time.

And many eye care practitioners who specialize in children's vision believe prolonged computer use among children puts them at risk for progressive myopia.

Kids and computers are nearly inseparable these days. With many school-age kids and even preschoolers spending hours in front of a computer every day, it's worth considering what effects computers might have on your children's eyes and their vision. When you work at a computer for any length of time, it's common to experience eye strain, blurred vision, red eyes and other symptoms of computer vision syndrome(CVS). This is because the visual demands of computer work are unlike those associated with most other activities.

To reduce the risk of focusing fatigue that can cause advancing nearsightedness among kids who spend a lot of time on a computer, many eye doctors recommend frequent breaks from computer work. Some call this the "20-20-10" rule: Every 20 minutes your child should take
his eyes off the computer and look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 10 seconds.

Blue Control lenses reduces the symptoms of digital eyestrain such as dry eyes, sticky eyes, and the feeling of grittiness or "sand" in the eye. Protect your lenses against water, dirt, grease and dust, keeping them clean for longer!

The following symptoms are characteristic of someone who uses the computer/phoneset/tablet for a very long period of time:

1. Dry eyes
2. Red eyes
3. Eyestrain
4. Backache
5. Headaches
6. Visual Fatigue
7. Light sensitivity
8. Lower self-esteem
9. Weight gain or loss
10. Progressive myopia
11. Disturbances in sleep
12. Premature presbyopia
13. Loss of cognitive ability
14. Neck and shoulder pain
15. Carpal tunnel syndrome
16. Burning or stinging eyes
17. Impaired socialising skills
18. Leads to screen addiction
19. Weakened emotional judgment
20. Delayed learning in young children
21. Blurred or strained vision/double vision
22. Lack of concentration and focus of mind
23. Susceptibility to chronic health conditions

Which is better blue cut or blue control?

The choice between Blue Cut and Blue Control lenses depends on your specific needs and lifestyle: For Heavy Screen Users: If you spend long hours in front of digital screens, Blue Cut lenses might be the better choice due to their strong blue light blocking capabilities.

Continuous exposure to blue light after sundown can disturb the sleep-wake cycle and make it difficult to fall asleep in the long run. Tinted lenses mimic the conditions of nature by blocking all artificial blue light and regulating a normal sleep-wake cycle, thus promoting good eye-health and sleep.

Is it okay to buy cheap blue light glasses?

Cheap blue light glasses don't target the complete range.

For all we know, the lenses could be ineffective at shielding your eyes from the peak wavelengths.

Reference:
healthrising.org healthline.com health.clevelandclinic.org migrainekey.com ap.lbl.gov/ehs/safety forbes.com/sites/fionamcmillan gundrymd.com/blue-light-warning activesgcircle.gov.sg/activehealth riverheightseyecare.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-blue-light-glasses eyekit.co eyeacademy.com allaboutvision.com reviewofoptometry.com crew.co/blog psychguides.com zeiss.com blockbluelight.com health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side

See also:

• Does blue light keep you awake at night?
• How Blue Light Effects Your Eyes and Brain
• Is it bad for your eyes to watch TV too close?
• Is dark mode better or worse for your eyes?
• Is it bad for your eyes to watch TV in the dark?
• Why Is Blue Light before Bedtime Bad for Sleep?
• How Blue Light Could Damage Cells In Your Eyes?
• Pros and Cons of Blue-Cut/Blue-Control Lenses

When most of us were children mobile phones didn’t even exist, so it can feel quite alien to us when our children feel the need to have one. The ever growing market has tapped into the technology-thirsty young generation and there are even mobile phones for four year olds!

As a parent ask yourself whether your child really needs a mobile phone, and whether you feel they would be capable of using one in an emergency. If you are getting a phone, pick one you feel your child can manage.[1]

Energy-saving LED technology has been in the limelight as the best way to reduce the electricity demands of residential and commercial lighting.But how safe are LED lights? A vision researcher from Complutense University in Madrid reports that exposure to LED lights can cause irreparable damage to the retinas of the human eye, UPI reports.The light from LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, comes primarily from the short-wave, high-energy blue and violet end of the visible light spectrum, said Dr. Celia Sánchez-Ramos. And prolonged, continuous exposure to this light — from computer monitors, mobile phones and television screens or indoor and outdoor lights — may be enough to damage retinas, she said.[2]

Because they emit HEV light (also called blue light), staring at phone and tablet screens may actually harm our eyes permanently. HEV light is that portion of the visible light spectrum that comprises light with the shortest wavelengths, which carry the greatest potential to damage living tissue.

We’re spending almost as much time staring at screens as we do sleeping.
“Many eye care providers are concerned about the potentially damaging effects of high-energy visible (HEV) light emitted by digital devices because laboratory and animal studies have shown exposure to high levels of HEV light can damage tissue in the retina of the eye in a way that appears consistent with retinal changes associated with macular degeneration, a leading cause of permanent vision loss in older adults.” says Dr. Heiting. “But no one knows for sure at this point if prolonged use of digital devices causes sufficient exposure to HEV light to cause permanent eye damage.”

Blue (HEV) light is also emitted by the sun and LED light bulbs, but most of us don’t stare at them for hours on end.[3] eResearch by Navid Ajamin -- spring 2016

Sources of blue light include the sun, digital screens (TVs, computers, laptops, smart phones and tablets), electronic devices, and fluorescent and LED lighting

Blue light is actually everywhere. When outside, light from the sun travels through the atmosphere. The shorter, high energy blue wavelengths collide with the air molecules causing blue light to scatter everywhere. This is what makes the sky look blue. In its natural form, your body uses blue light from the sun to regulate your natural sleep and wake cycles. This is known as your circadian rhythm. Blue light also helps boost alertness, heighten reaction times, elevate moods, and increase the feeling of well being. Artificial sources of blue light include electronic devices such as cell phones and laptop computers, as well as energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs and LED lights. [4]

Bad Impacts of Cell Phone For Small Kids -- sandeeppooni.com

1. Weak Gripping: According to a study in the UK, the kid has a weak grip of the pencil due to the mobile touch screen.

2. Weak Eyes-Sight: The mobile phone has a worse effect on the child’s eyes. Actually, mobile radiation and the screen can damage a lot.

3. Hamper Brain Development: The brain of a child is developing at a rapid pace up to 5 years and it grows up to 18 years.

4. Less Social and Loneliness: The Wireless Telephone addicted children are less social as well as they have the habit to remain alone.

5. Weak Memory: Many studies show that radiation of cell phones also affect the memory of children. Mobile radiation can disturb the memory neurons in the brain.

6. Aggressiveness: The children love to play action games on mobile phones. These action games have lots of violence which affects the soft hearts of children. Therefore, Children who are playing actions games are more aggressive than normal pupils.

7. Digital Zombies: Online gaming is making children digital zombies. In China, the teenager/children use diapers so that they did not want to move away from gaming because if they move then they lose game or gaming points.

8. Poor Sleep: Bedtime usage of phones affects sleep duration as well as the quality of sleep.

9. Poor Grades: The children who have overuse of cell phones have weak school performance. Because they lose their interest in the study and they love to play games or watch others stuff on mobile phones.

10. Nomophobia: This is a fear which founds in phone additive children. In it, the child has a fear of being without its mobile phone or being unable to use its mobile phone for any reason such as poor signal, etc.

11. Neck Problem: This is another common problem in mobile addictive pupils. Due to overuse, the children always feel pain in their neck.

12. Poor Body Posture: The children use the phone for an hour by wrong sitting posture or lying posture which damages the overall body posture of children.

13. Super Hero Addiction/ Virtual World: Children watch excessively superhero cartoon on mobile/tv. So, they want to become like them but, the superhero is virtual.

Smart phones, laptops, and other handheld devices all transmit light. However, the blue light in particular may be toxic for your eyes.

Scientists at the University of Toledo may have discovered how blue light emitted from your technology has a potential to lead to macular degeneration — one of the leading causes of vision loss in the United States.

“It’s no secret that blue light harms our vision by damaging the eye’s retina” said Ajith Karunarathne, PhD, assistant professor at the University of Toledo’s department of chemistry and biochemistry in a released statement.

Macular degeneration is the result of photoreceptor cell death in the retina.

The function of the photoreceptor cells is to capture visual images and signal them to the brain using a molecule called retinal.

Small text and bright screens can strain mobile phone users’ eyes. Since tablet computers, smartphones, and other hand-held devices are designed for reading at close range, users’ eyes must constantly refocus and reposition to process the graphics and text on screen.

Study Cell Phone Radiation Can Damage Eyes Cause Early Cataracts. The scientists, who have studied the impact of electromagnetic waves on human eye, say that cell phone usage can also lead to early cataract in lens apart from affecting retina, cornea and other ocular systems of the eye.

According to The Vision Counci, more than a third of U.S. adults reported spending four to six hours a day with digital media or related electronic devices. As digital use increases, so do potential vision problems, including eye strain.

Symptoms of digital eye strain include eye redness or irritation, dry eyes, blurred vision, back pain, neck pain, and headaches.

Some of the ways to prevent digital eye strain include reducing glare, cleaning the screen, dimming the surrounding lighting that is competing with the device’s screen, keeping adequate distance between eyes and the screen, and increasing text size. Device users are also advised to take breaks from looking at the screen, and follow the “20-20-20” rule:

Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes using an electronic device and look at something 20 feet away.[5]

Mobile manners are passed down and although they should be dictated by common sense, daily instances of egregious tech etiquette seem to indicate otherwise.

Here are a few suggestions on how to set the right example:

• Don’t allow gadgets at the table. At any meal.

• Put your kids before your gadgets and really listen when they are speaking instead of just nodding and saying “uh huh” while looking down at your phone.

• The next time you want to use a gadget to distract them, act as if you don’t have it and see what other tactic you can come up with.

• Relax those dilated pupils and make eye contact with your kids.

• Keep your phone out of clear sight when driving. Sing along to the kids’ music with them instead.

• When someone around you is demonstrating poor mobile manners, subtly point it out to your kids on what not to do.

• Reinforce the age-old “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” This applies to all situations, offline and online.

• Ignore calls when in public places like restaurants or libraries, even in loud, crazy indoor play spaces where you’d love a break for a few minutes.

• Instead of emailing grandma and grandpa, call them.

• Show them that you’re not reliant on your phone 24/7. Have one gadget-free day every week.[6]

Which is more harmful for eyes laptop or mobile?

Though both are harmful as they both cause strain on your eyes since you look at both from a very small distance and they both emit a lot of light. But Mobiles create more of a strain to your eyes as they are smaller devices making it harder for your eyes to catch on that small text.

Reference:

1. familylives.org.uk
2. livescience.com
3. digitaltrends.com
4. bluelightexposed.com
5. source.southuniversity.edu
6. huffingtonpost.com
7. rfsafe.com
8. healthline.com
9. sandeeppooni.com

See also:

• List of countries by number of mobile phones in use
• Blue light and Blue light control lenses -- nicetoview.blogfa.com
• A Parents' Guide to Mobile Phones - ConnectSafely

Read short messages or surfing the Internet through a smartphone tend to force people’s eyes to work harder than when reading books or newspapers. A study involving 130 volunteers, with an average age of 23.3 years old, studied how people hold the phone while reading a short message. Then, another 100 volunteers, with an average age of 24.9 years old were studied while they read the pages.

When we read newspapers, books, or printed magazines, the average distance to the eye is 40.64 centimeters. Apparently in average, people who read or send short messages is only 35.56 centimeters. eResearch by Navid Ajamin -- spring 2010

In some people, it is even closer about 17.78 centimeters. The research was done by a team from ‘SUNY State College of Optometry’ in New York City, the study states that the additional burden would cause complaints such as headaches, dry eyes, discomfort, myopic, and tension in the eyes. The results are published in the Optometry and Vision Science journal in July 2011.[1]

Computers and digital devices have certainly transformed the way the average worker completes their daily tasks, but they also pose a hidden danger to our eyes, one that many digital device users are simply unaware of. With so much time being spent in front of computerized screens--be it in front of the laptop or the iPhone--device users are increasingly suffering at the hands of what eye care professionals call Computer Vision Syndrome.

New research out from the firm VSP Vision Care shows that a big chunk of eye care patients today complain of the common symptoms attached to the syndrome. "Computer Vision Syndrome is a major problem for Americans," said Dr. Nate Bonilla-Warford, an eye doctor and a VSP provider. “We are seeing patients uncomfortable in the workplace with neck pain, headaches, eye strain, blurred vision, etc. that could easily be avoided.

It's important for people to discuss their digital usage with their eye doctor and make sure they are getting annual eye exams." Channel Insider takes a look at the study's findings and three important ways that doctors such as Bonilla-Warford recommend to prevent your screens from killing your vision.[2]

What happens if you spend hours on your phone?

Negative Effects of Too Much Screen Time:

Eye Strain and Headaches - Too much time spent looking at screens can cause fatigue or discomfort in your eyes as well as dimmed vision. Glare on screens and the brightness of the display can place further strain on your eyes. Eventually, this strain can lead to headaches.[3]

Reference:

1. medicmagic.net
2. channelinsider.com
3. reidhealth.org/blog/screen-time-for-adults

Visual Fatigue Syndrome (VFS) is caused by focusing on objects, such as computers, that are 1 to 3 feet away for extended periods of time.The symptoms of VFS are not only bothersome, they can also be painful, reduce the enjoyment of your day, and reduce the quality of your work.

Stress impacts us mentally and physically, but did you know it can affect our vision?

When we are severely stressed and anxious, high levels of adrenaline in the body can cause pressure on the eyes, resulting in blurred vision. People with long-term anxiety can suffer from eye strain during the day on a regular basis. If you become highly sensitised to any slight movement, over time the strain from other senses can cause muscular tensions and headaches.

SYMPTOMS OF STRESS-RELATED VISION IMPAIRMENT:

• Tunnel vision. You may lose some of your peripheral vision and feel like you can only see straight in front of you.[4]

• Sensitivity to light and movement; light may hurt your eyes or make it difficult for you concentrate, and focus.
• Eye twitching; eyes can randomly spasm, with no pain but discomfort.
• Very dry or very wet eyes; both can be a symptom, however, can also be caused by other issues.
• Blurry vision; finding it hard to concentrate, or focus. If you have additional symptoms, visit your local GP.
• Eye strain; discomfort and minor pain as your eyes feel tight and swollen.
• Eye floaters; tiny spots that swim across your vision.

If you have any of these symptoms with no other medical issues, the best option for you is to get enough rest, eat healthily, use meditation, or any stress relief exercises that help you to relax. Taking at least a few minutes to consciously relax will help your body calm down.[3]

Risks and consequences of oxidative stress. The eye is an organ that is predisposed to great levels of oxidative stress. The eye is constantly exposed to factors such as radiation, chemicals, oxygen, drugs, which induce the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can ultimately damage cells. This figure is modified from Flammer J. Glaucoma, Glaucoma A Guide for Patients. An Introduction for Care-Providers. A Quick Reference. 3rd ed. Cambridge: Hogrefe & Huber; 2006. Figure S1.29; p 222.

In recent years there has been a shift in the way we use our vision. Instead of using our eyes to see most things at distance, we spend most of the day viewing objects that are within arms reach. These items include the computer, television, cell phone, PDAs, even books are now available in digital format. Both the real world and written word have now been replaced by a constant barrage of illuminated, digital pixels. This new visual environment commonly induces visual fatigue. eResearch by Navid Ajamin -- spring 2011

Users of digital media may experience eyestrain, blurred vision, tired eyes, dry eyes, neck and back pain. Even those who can see 20/20 and those who do not normally wear glasses may experience visual fatigue. Studies have shown us that 83 percent of all individuals experience one or more symptoms of Visual Fatigue Syndrome.

Unfortunately most of those affected by visual fatigue are not getting the help they need.The reason is poor education. Most people do not understand why they are experiencing problems and, in many cases, eye doctors are not properly trained to recognize the symptoms of visual fatigue. Even when an eye doctor is well informed, he or she may lack the proper tools necessary to help patients combat symptoms.[2]

Driving is a complex task, requiring full concentration and a calm attitude. Heightened emotions such as stress, anger or upset are a form of cognitive distraction that can significantly impede drivers’ ability to spot and respond to hazards. Research has found that drivers who suffer from work-related stress are more likely to speed and take other risks while driving and more like to be involved in serious crashes [5]

Reference:

1. eyewalk.net/innovation/antifatigue_en
2. iowaeyeblog.com/2009/11/visual-fatigue-syndrome
3. whitbyonline.com/about-us/news/stress-on-your-eyes
4. allabouteyes.com/stressed-stress-affects-eyes
5. brake.org.uk/facts-resources/15-facts/487-driver-stress

See Also:

• Anti-Fatigue Lenses
• What are anti-fatique lenses
• Can Stress Cause Blurry Vision?
• Overview Of Anti-Fatigue Lenses

CVS چیست؟ مجموعه ای از علائم چشمی و بینایی است كه بر اثر كار با كامپیوتر ایجاد می شود.تقریباً 3/4 كسانیكه زیاد با كامپیوتر كار می كنند گرفتار این علائم هستند. به نظر می رسد با فراگیرتر شدن بكارگیری كامپیوتر در محل های كار و حتی در خانه ها تعداد كسانیكه ازCVS رنج می برند رو به افزایش باشد.

Computer Vision Syndrome is the name given to eye problems caused by prolonged computer use including: Eye irritation (Dry eyes, itchy eyes, red eyes) Blurred vision. Headaches. Backaches.American Optometric Association (AOA) defines CVS or digital eye strain as a group of eye and vision-related problems that results from prolonged usage of computers, tablets, e-readers, and cell phones which causes increased stress to near vision in particlular. CVS:Computer Vision Syndrome

CVS also has symptoms that cause discomfort to the eyes of children such as dryness or a burning sensation. Excessive use of screens may result in myopia, or near-sightedness, at a younger age than would otherwise be expected. Poor posture while using screens can lead to neck, shoulder, and back strain.

علائم CVS:

مهمترین علائم عبارتند از: خستگی چشم، خشكی چشم، سوزش، اشك ریزش و تاری دید، همچنین ممكن است سبب درد گردن و شانه ها نیز بشود.

چشم انسان حروف چاپی را بهتر از حروف نمایش داده شده بر روی مانیتور می بینند. علت این امر این است كه حروف چاپی كنتراست بیشتری با صفحه سفید زمینه داشته و لبه های آنها واضح تر است حال آنكه در مورد صفحه مانیتور چنین نیست و لبه ها به وضوح حروف چاپی نیستند بلكه حروف از یك مركز با كنتراست بالا شروع شده و به تدریج كم رنگ تر می شوند و پس از تبدیل به خاكستری كمرنگ ناپدید می گردند. بنابراین لبه های حروف بر روی صفحه مانیتور وضوح حروف چاپی را ندارد.

یكی از مهمترین دلایل خشكی و سوزش چشم هنگام كار با كامپیوتر كاهش میزان پلك زدن است بطوریكه افراد هنگام كار با كامپیوتر تقریباً 5/1 حالت عادی پلك می زنند. این مساله به همراه خیره شدن به صفحه مانیتور و تمركز بر روی موضوع كار سبب می شود تا پلك ها مدت بیشتری باز بمانند و در نتیجه اشك روی سطح چشم سریعتر تبخیر می شود.

11 توصیه برای كاهش علائم CVS

1- سعی كنید بطور ارادی پلك بزنید. این كار سبب می شود سطح چشم شما با اشك آغشته شده و خشك نشود.

در صورتیكه مشكل شما شدید باشد می توانید از قطره های اشك مصنوعی استفاده كنید.

2- مركز مانیتور باید حدود 10 تا 20 سانتیمتر پایین تر چشمان شما باشد. این وضعیت علاوه بر اینكه باعث می شود پلك ها پایین تر قرار گیرند و سطح كمتری از چشم در معرض هوا باشد، از خستگی گردن و شانه ها نیز می كاهد. در این موارد هم باید مانیتور را در ارتفاع مناسب قرار داد و هم ارتفاع صندلی را نسبت به میزكار تنظیم كرد بطوریكه ساعد شما هنگام كار با keyboard موازی با سطح زمین باشد.

3- مانیتور خود را طوری قرار دهید كه نور پنجره یا روشنایی اتاق به آن نتابد، هنگام كار با كامپیوتر سعی كنید پرده ها را بكشید و روشنایی اتاق را نیز به نصف وضعیت معمولی كاهش دهید. اگر از چراغ مطالعه بر روی میز خود استفادهمی‌كنید آن را طوری قرار دهید كه به صفحه مانیتور یا چشم شما نتابد. همچنین می توانید از صفحه های فیلتر نیزبر روی صفحه مانیتور استفاده كنید. تابش نور به صفحه مانیتور سبب كاهش كنتراست و خستگی چشم می شود. این مساله بخصوص زمانیكه زمینه صفحه تیره باشد شدیدتر خواهد بود.

4- به چشمان خود استراحت دهید. سعی كنید هر 5 تا 10 دقیقه چشم خود را ازمانیتور برداشته و به مدت 5 تا 10 ثانیه به نقطه ای دور نگاه كنید، این كار سبب استراحت عضلات چشم می شود. همچنین به شما وقت می دهد پلك بزنید و سطح چشم شما مرطوب شود.

5- اگر مجبورید كه متناوباً به یك صفحه نوشته و مانیتور نگاه كنید (خصوصاً در مورد تایپیست ها) ممكن است چشم شما خسته شود زیرا باید تطابق خود را تغییر دهد. برای جلوگیری از این مساله سعی كنید صفحه نوشته شده را در حداقل فاصله و هم سطح با مانیتور قرار دهید. برای اینكار می توانید ازCopyholder استفاده كنید.

6- فاصله مانیتور با چشمان شما باید 50 تا 60 سانتی متر باشد.

7- روشنایی و كنتراست مانیتور خود را تنظیم كنید. میزان روشنایی مانیتور باید با روشنایی اتاق هماهنگی داشته باشد. یك روش برای تنظیم روشنایی مانیتور ایناست كه به یك صفحه وب با زمینه سفید (مثل این صفحه) نگاه كنید. اگر سفیدی صفحه برای شما مثل یك منبع نور است روشنایی مانیتور زیاد است و باید آن را كم كنید. در مقابل، اگر صفحه كمی خاكستری به نظر می رسد روشنایی را زیاد كنید. در مجموع روشنایی باید در حدی باشد كه چشمان شما احساس راحتی كنند. كنتراست مانیتور باید حداكثر باشد تا لبه حروف بیشترین كنتراست را با نوشته خود پیدا كند.

8- مشخصات دیگر مانیتور خود را تنظیم كنید، كیفیت نمایش تصاویر بر روی مانیتور به سه عامل بستگی دارد:Resolution،Refresh Rate وDot Pitch.

Refresh Rate نشاندهنده فركانس تجدید تصویر بر روی مانیتور است. فركانس پایین می تواند برای چشم خسته كننده باشد و فركانس های خیلی پایین سبب پرش تصویر می شوند. بهترین Refresh Rate حدود 70 هرتز یا بیشتر است. Resolution یا وضوح تصویر كه بهRefresh Rate نیز بستگی دارد به تراكم پیكسل های تصویر بر روی مانیتور گفته می شود. هر چه تعداد پیكسل ها بیشتر باشد جزئیات بیشتری از تصویر دیده می شود. بطور كلی هر چه Resolution بیشتر باشد بهتر است ولی باید به Refresh Rate نیز توجه داشت. گاهیResolution بالا Refresh Rate پایین دارند بنابراین باید وضعیتی را انتخاب كرد كه هر دو بیشترین تعداد را داشته باشند.

9 - Dot pitch برsharpness تصویر موثر است و هر چه عدد آن كمتر باشد تصویرSharpتر است. بیشتر مانیتورها Dot pitch بین 25/0 تا 28/0 میلی متر دارند. 28/0 میلی متر یا كمتر عدد مطلوب است.Refresh Rate وResolution را در ویندوز می توانید در Properties Display تنظیم كنید ولیDot pitch قابل تنظیم نیست. eResearch by Navid Ajamin -- spring 2009

10 - اگر علی رغم رعایت توصیه های گفته شده بازهم دچار علائمCVS هستید می توانید از عینك های مخصوص استفاده كنید زیرا گاهی مشكل در دید متوسط است. ما بطور معمول كمتر از دید متوسط استفاده می كنیم زیرا بیشتر اوقات یا اشیاء دور را نگاه می كنیم و یا اشیاء نزدیك. ولی مانیتور كامپیوتر دقیقاً در فاصله ای از چشم قرار می گیرد كه مربوط به دید متوسط است. اگر شما عینكی هستید عینك شما به احتمال زیاد برای كار با كامپیوتر مناسب نیست زیرا دید متوسط را اصلاح نمی كند. برای دریافت عینك مناسب كامپیوتر به چشم پزشك مراجعه كنید.

11- هنگام كار با كامپیوتر سعی كنید گردن خود را راست نگهداشته و شانه را عقب دهید. قوز كردن هنگام كار طولانی با كامپیوتر سبب دردهای گردن و شانه ها می شود. اگر پشتی صندلی شما قابل تنظیم است آن را طوری تنظیم كنید كه كاملاً به پشت شما بچسبد. همچنین ارتفاع صندلی خود را طوری تنظیم كنید كه كف پاها روی زمین قرار داشته و زانوی شما در زاویه 90 درجه قرار داشته باشد.keyboard وMouse باید پایین تر از آرنج و نزدیك دستان شما قرار داشته باشد.

و نهایتاً اینكه: اگر همچنان بر اثر كار با كامپیوتر دچار مشكلات چشمی هستید بهتر است به یك چشم پزشك مراجعه كنید.

See also:

• How Proper Computer Ergonomics Reduces Back Pain
• Treatment for Computer Vision Syndrome - Saint Luke's

9 Ways to Reduce the Symptoms of Computer Eyestrain

Eyestrain is the number one complaint in office jobs, but there are many things workers and employers can do to reduce these symptoms. The best solution is number 1 below—see an eye doctor using the PRIO Vision Tester, and get a pair of eyeglasses specifically to wear when you use the computer.

The potential impact of computer use on children’s vision involves the following factors:

• Children often have a limited degree of self-awareness. Many children keep performing an enjoyable task with great concentration until near exhaustion (e.g., playing video games for hours with little, if any, breaks). Prolonged activity without a significant break can cause eye focusing (accommodative) problems and eye irritation.

Accommodative problems may occur as a result of the eyes’ focusing system “locking in” to a particular target and viewing distance. In some cases, this may cause the eyes to be unable to smoothly and easily focus on a particular object, even long after the original work is completed.

Eye irritation may occur because of poor tearflow over the eye due to reduced blinking. Blinking is often inhibited by concentration and staring at a computer or video screen. Compounding this, computers usually are located higher in the field of view than traditional paperwork. This results in the upper eyelids being retracted to a greater extent. Therefore, the eye tends to experience more than the normal amount of tear evaporation resulting in dryness and irritation.

• Children are very adaptable. Although there are many positive aspects to their adaptability, children frequently ignore problems that would be addressed by adults. A child who is viewing a computer screen with a large amount of glare often will not think about changing the computer arrangement or the surroundings to achieve more comfortable viewing. This can result in excessive eye strain. Also, children often accept blurred vision caused by nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism because they think everyone sees the way they do. Uncorrected farsightedness can cause eye strain, even when clear vision can be maintained.

• Children are not the same size as adults. Since children are smaller, computers don’t fit them well. Most computer workstations are arranged for adult use. Therefore, a child using a computer on a typical office desk often must look up further than an adult. Since the most efficient viewing angle is slightly downward about 15 degrees, problems using the eyes together can occur. In addition, children may have difficulty reaching the keyboard or placing their feet on the floor, causing arm, neck or back discomfort.

• Children often use computers in a home or classroom with less than optimum lighting. The lighting level for the proper use of a computer is about half as bright as that normally found in a classroom. Increased light levels can contribute to excessive glare and problems associated with adjustments of the eye to different levels of light.

Here are nine additional tips for ways to reduce eyestrain.

1. GET AN EYE EXAM!

This is the most important thing you can do to prevent or treat computer vision problems.

According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), computer users should have an eye exam before they start working on a computer and once per year thereafter.

2. USE PROPER LIGHTING

In your office you are likely to find several things that can cause eyestrain, including glare on walls and finished surfaces, reflections on the computer screen itself, excessively bright light coming in from outside, and excessively bright light inside

Eliminate exterior light and reflections by closing drapes or blinds.

When using computers, lighting should be about half that used in most offices. Reduce lighting by using fewer light bulbs or florescent tubes, or use lower intensity bulbs and tubes.

3. TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS

Full time computer users should take a 10-minute break every hour to reduce eyestrain problems according to experts. Part-time users should take frequent breaks, after sitting in front of their display for more than a hour.

4. REFOCUS YOUR EYES

Look away from your computer screen every 10-15 minutes and focus for 5-10 seconds on a distant object outside or down the hallway. This prevents the fixed gaze common among computer users. It also lets you blink, which wets your eyes.

5. BLINK MORE OFTEN

When staring at a computer, people blink less frequently—about 5 times less than normal, according to studies. Tears coating the eye evaporate more rapidly during long non-blinking phases and cause dry eyes. Office buildings may have excessively dry environments that also reduce tearing. For significant problems, ask your eye doctor about artificial tears or eye drops that you can use during the day.

6. MODIFY YOUR WORKSTATION

If you need to look back and forth between the printed or written page and the computer, this can cause eyestrain. Place written pages on a copy stand adjacent to the monitor. Properly light the copy stand. Adjust your workstation and chair to the correct height. Purchase ergonomic furniture to assure proper screen locations and posture.

7. MATCH THE COMPUTER SCREEN TO THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Closely match the brightness of the environment with that of the computer screen. The contrast between the background and on-screen characters should be high.

8. MINIMIZE GLARE

Use window shades, blinds or drapes to block out excessive sunlight, or install an anti-glare screen, to minimize reflections on the screen itself. Reduce the internal ambient light if necessary. For conditions where outside light cannot be reduced, use a computer hood to cut glare and reflection. Have an Anti-Reflective coating applied to your glasses. This will prevent glare and reflections on the back side of your lenses form reaching your eyes.

9. EXERCISE EVEN WHEN SITTING

Anyone in a sedentary job, especially those using computers, should also stand up, move about, or exercise frequently. NIOSH recommends several sitting, stretching, and joint rotating exercises for computer users.

As parents or carers, it is essential to recognise the signs of Digital Eye Strain in children.

Some common symptoms include:

• Eye discomfort: Complaints of tired, itchy, or burning eyes.
• Squinting or blinking: Frequent squinting or blinking to refocus their vision.
• Headaches: Recurring headaches, especially after screen time.
• Dry eyes: Experiencing dryness or grittiness in the eyes.
• Double vision: Temporary vision issues like double vision or blurred vision.

Reference:

• yesite.co.za/2004/04/15/impact-of-computer-use-on-childrens-vision
• visiondirect.com.au/optical-centre/eye-care/digital-eye-strain
• gormleyopticians.com/protecting-childrens-eyes-digital-strain
• prio.com/consumers/9ways.cfm

Can computer screens cause blurry vision?

Upwards of 90% of screen users experience eye strain known as computer vision syndrome, or CVS. It's a reality for many in today's technology-driven world, and can lead to symptoms such as: Decreased or blurred vision. Burning or stinging eyes.

Can eye strain cause double vision?

Eyestrain symptoms include: Sore, tired, burning or itching eyes. Watery or dry eyes. Blurred or double vision.

Can too much screen time cause diplopia?

Double vision, or diplopia, is the perception of two images from a single object. And staring at a computer screen for too long may cause this. But if double vision persists, it can indicate a severe neurological problem for which you should immediately see your eye doctor.

Can prolonged screen time cause double vision?

Yes. Digital eye strain can cause many symptoms, including: Blurred vision. Double vision. Dry eye.

Can you cure computer vision syndrome?

Does computer vision syndrome go away? Often, reducing your amount of screen time can help symptoms go away. But if you need to keep using digital devices every day, symptoms may keep returning. Or they may get worse.

Recent studies indicate that computer vision syndrome (CVS) affects as many as 75% of computer users. CVS presents when a person spends a good deal of time working or in front of a computer. This vision condition is not extremely dangerous, and there is no reason to panic if you experience some of the symptoms described, but know that you can reduce these symptoms with CVS by just changing the way you work at your computer.

Computer vision syndrome is a new problem that has emerged in this century following increase usage of computer both at home and at work. There is a correlation between ocular symptoms such as pain, redness, dryness, blurring of vision, double vision and other head and neck sprains and computer usage. eResearch by Navid Ajamin -- spring 2008

With glasses for the computer, you will sharpen visual focus and you will see with more clarity. Clarity with reduced glare helps your eyes feel better at work. Long hours in front of a computer screen and harsh fluorescent lighting can produce CVS and dry eyes.
Dry eye syndrome can also start with the patient who suffers from CVS. Computer users don’t blink enough to keep their eyes moist.

They compensate to see the screen by bending their heads down to look over their glasses or holding their chin up to see through the lower part of their lenses, causing aches. To that fact, you will find that most patients with CVS also have tired and sore back and neck pain at work.

Without proper glasses and Rx for computer distance, the patients with CVS will also experience headaches, blurred vision and general fatigue.

Anyone who spends several hours in front of a computer screen is at risk for CVS.

The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that more than 90% of all computer workers suffer from CVS when spending time in front of their computers for more than three hours a day.[1]

Asthenopic (eye strain) symptoms in the eye are responsible for much of the severity in CVS. Proper rest to the eye and its muscles is recommended to relieve the associated eye strain. Observations from persons experiencing chronic eye strain have shown that most people who claim to be getting enough sleep are actually not. This, unaware to them, causes the eye strain to build up over a period of time, when if they had obtained seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, their eye muscles would have recovered during the sleep and the strain would not have built up.

Computer workers are often advised to take breaks and look at distant objects. A routinely recommended approach is to consciously blink the eyes every now and then (this helps replenish the tear film) and to look out the window to a distant object or to the sky—doing so provides rest to the ciliary muscles.

One of the catch phrases is the "20–20–20 rule":every 20 minutes, focus the eyes on an object 20 feet (6 meters) away for 20 seconds. This basically gives a convenient distance and timeframe for a person to follow the advice from the optometrist and ophthalmologist. Otherwise, the patient is advised to close their eyes (which has a similar effect) and relax the face and neck muscles for two minutes, at least every half-hour.

A number of computer and smartphone applications, such as f.lux, redshift and Night Shift adjust the computer video color temperature, reducing the amount of blue light emitted by the screen, particularly at night.

Blue-light blocking glasses have filters in their lenses that block or absorb blue light, and in some cases UV light, from getting through. That means if you use these glasses when looking at a screen, especially after dark, they can help reduce exposure to blue light waves that can keep you awake.

Dry eye is a symptom that is targeted in the therapy of CVS. The use of over-the-counter artificial-tear solutions can reduce the effects of dry eye in CVS. Prior to using artificial tear solutions, it is necessary to check if dry eye is the actual cause of the problem (measured by a tear meniscus test) or whether there are no actual symptoms of dry eye at all. Dry eyes because of CVS can also be treated using moisture chamber glasses or humidifier machines. Office spaces with artificially dry air can worsen CVS syndromes, in which case, a desktop or a room humidifier can help the eyes keep a healthy moisture level.

Is Dark mode better for eyes?

Dark mode doesn't directly reduce eye strain, but it can offer some relief. For example, in a dim setting, a bright screen has your eyes working harder. On the contrary, a dark screen in a brightly lit room will have the same effect.

At night, CVS can become worse. It is recommended to use a dark user interface while working at night on the computer. Several browser and OS add-ons exist to darken the user interface.

When working on computer screens people tend to blink less which leads to the eyes drying out faster. Reminding people to blink or do blinking exercises is achieved via static reminders.

A 2017 randomized controlled trial evaluated macular carotenoid supplements (lutein, zeaxanthin, and mesozeaxanthin) in people with high screen time usage. The supplement group had statistically significant reduction in self-reported headache, eye strain, eye fatigue and sleep complaints, but no reduction in neck strain or blurry vision.[2]
If you think you might be experiencing some of these symptoms, we recommend you have an eye exam to test for CVS symptoms.

We also recommend that you modify your work station at your computer and make sure you have proper lighting and chair positioning to reduce your fatigue and neck strain associated with working on your desk and computer terminal.

Reference:

1. siouxfallsfamilyvision.com
2. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_vision_syndrome
3. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4170366/...
4. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34160157
5. cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/c/computer-vision-syndrome.html

See also:

• Easy Solutions for Screen-Related Eye Issues
• How do you relax your eyes after long screen time?

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a condition resulting from focusing the eyes on a computer or other display device for protracted, uninterrupted periods of time and the eye muscles being unable to recover from the strain due to a lack of adequate sleep.

Computer Vision Syndrome, also referred to as Digital Eye Strain, describes a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader and cell phone use. Many individuals experience eye discomfort and vision problems when viewing digital screens for extended periods.

Many of the symptoms of CVS can be broadly classified as "asthenopia". Most of these symptoms are also associated with other forms of near work. Neck and/or backaches are listed as a symptom of CVS since the eyes lead the body. Computer workers will often assume awkward postures in order to position their eyes so that they can perform their work - resulting in these musculoskeletal symptoms.

This can be the result of a poorly designed work station, assuming awkward postures due to using spectacles which are improperly designed for the task or due to making accommodations for a particular eye/vision disorder.

Asthenopia is more commonly known as eyestrain or ocular fatigue. It’s a common condition that occurs when your eyes become tired from intense use.

Staring at a computer screen for long periods or straining to see in dim light are common causes.Most of the time, asthenopia isn’t serious and goes away once you rest your eyes. Sometimes, asthenopia is related to an underlying vision problem, such as astigmatism or farsightedness (hyperopia).

Causes of asthenopia

Prolonged use of computers and digital devices has become such a common cause of asthenopia that it has been dubbed “computer vision syndrome” or “digital eyestrain.”

Along with staring at screens for extended periods, other causes of asthenopia include:

• reading for long periods
• staring to see in dim or dark surroundings
• driving long distances
• exposure to bright light or glare
• activities involving intense focus
• being stressed or fatigued
• exposure to dry moving air, such as a fan, air conditioning, or heater
• underlying eye conditions, such as dry eye or uncorrected vision

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) Symptoms

In most cases of CVS, the clinician is able to establish a visual diagnosis for the symptoms being experienced.

There are numerous accommodative disorders (e.g., decreased amplitude or infacility of accommodation) and binocular vision dysfunctions (e.g., phoria, strabismus) that can clearly cause the symptoms.

Uncorrected or improperly corrected presbyopia (improper add/or spectacle design) can also result in symptoms. Hyperopia can result in visual symptoms - especially in near workers. Uncorrected astigmatism can also cause symptoms because of the acuity demands of the task.

In some cases myopia can cause a blurred view of the computer screen and/or awkward posture. There is also some evidence to indicate that near work causes the development of myopia in some individuals. A dry eye condition is one which can be exacerbated by computer work due to staring, elevated gaze angle, decreased blinking, and a low humidity environment.

The symptoms of CVS can vary from person to person but commonly include:

1. Eye Strain: (Non-Specific Ocular Discomfort) Aching, burning, or heavy feeling in the eyes.
2. Headaches: Frequent headaches, often starting at the forehead and temples.
3. Blurred Vision: Difficulty focusing on the screen or other objects, both near and far.
4. Dry Eyes: Reduced blinking while using screens can lead to dry, irritated eyes.
5. Irritated Eyes
6. Double Vision: (Diplopia) Seeing two images of the same object on the screen.
7. Neck and Shoulder Pain: Poor posture while using digital devices can cause neck and shoulder discomfort.
8. Difficulty Concentrating: Reduced concentration and increased irritability.
9. Fatigues

Each of the CVS diagnoses presented can be treated - usually with a good prognosis for eliminating or reducing the presenting symptoms.

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) Visual Diagnoses

• Binocular Vision Dysfunctions
• Accommodative Disorders
• Refractive Errors
• Astigmatism
• Presbyopia
• Hyperopia
• Dry Eyes
• Myopia

CVS symptoms occur as a result of visual interaction with a task (the computer display) which stresses the visual system. The occurrence of symptoms depends upon the magnitude of any existing visual disorder as well as the demand level of the task. The task demand level can be dependent upon many variables. There are particular environmental factors associated with work at a computer which make it more visually demanding than other near point tasks.

Environmental Factors of Computer Workstations

• Contrast and resolution of the display
• Room lighting
• Viewing distances and angles
• Sustained viewing
• Adjustability of workstation

Appropriate diagnosis and treatment of existing vision problems and control or elimination of environmental factors can effectively reduce the symptoms associated with computer vision syndrome. eResearch by Navid Ajamin -- Spring 2008

What Else Contributes to Computer Vision Syndrome & Digital Eye Strain?

Not surprisingly, the biggest contributing factor to CVS is how much time one spends viewing screen-based devices (including your phone, tablet, e-readers, and other electronic devices). In our constantly connected, hyper-digital society, it is likely that many of us are accumulating at least seven hours of screen time per day. For someone with a computer-based job, that number is likely even higher.

In addition to screen use, other factors such as allergies, preexisting eye or vision problems, and a poor work environment can also lead to the development of CVS. Components of a poor work environment may include:

• Room lighting that is too strong or too dim
• Device screen that is too bright or too dim
• Glare on the device screen
• On-screen text that is too small
• Poor screen placement (too far, close, low, or high)
• Lack of ergonomic desk, seating, keyboard, or mouse
• Poor posture while using any screen (not just a computer screen)

Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Children from CVS

There are many things you can do to reduce your child’s risk of developing CVS. These include:

• Teaching your child about the risks of spending too much time staring at a screen.
• Limiting screen time to one or two hours a day.
• Making your child’s work station more ergonomic — make sure the lighting is adequate (too much light can create glare); chairs should be positioned at a comfortable distance; and the screen should be in the correct position as well — slightly below your child’s eye line and about 18 to 28 inches away.
• Scheduling regular eye exams for your child.
• Getting your kids in the habit of following the 20-20-20 rule: Take 20 seconds to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes.
• Wearing computer glasses to help your child’s eyes more easily focus on the computer screen.
• Anti-glare screens or anti-glare coatings on eyeglasses can help reduce glare and eye strain.
• Watching your children for signs of CVS — red eyes, blurred vision, eye rubbing, or stiff neck.

If these symptoms persist, take your child in for an eye exam.

Reference:

• continentalhospitals.com/blog/tips-for-preventing-computer-vision-syndrome-in-children-and-adults
• rochesteroptical.com/optometrist-rochester/what-is-computer-vision-syndrome
• berkeleyeye.com/blog/children-and-computer-vision-syndrome
• healthline.com/health/asthenopia#causes
• eyestraingone.com
• insightseyecare.net
• en.wikipedia.org
• aoa.org

See also: 6 Ways to Effectively Manage Computer Vision Syndrome