If we had to choose a single image that represents our lifestyles in this century, we would most certainly choose one in which smartphones or computers play a starring role. “On average,” says Jakub Odcházel, head optician at Lentiamo.ie, “we spend around 7 hours in front of a screen every day, a significant amount of time that puts strain on our eyes. Unfortunately, we often aren’t able to reduce this figure by much, if at all.”
As a result of prolonged screen use, symptoms that are collectively referred to as Computer Vision Syndrome, or CVS, are becoming increasingly prevalent. Among the most common symptoms are:
- Decreased or blurred vision
- Burning or excessive tearing
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Headaches
- Backaches and neck stiffness
What can be done to prevent these discomforts?
The opticians and optometrists at Lentiamo offer five practices to implement into your routine that can reduce the chances of suffering during screen time.
1) Choose high-performance monitors and position them correctly
Not only should they be adequately sized and offer good resolution (24’’ with a resolution of 1920×1200), computer screens must also be positioned so as not to harm the neck, back or eyes. The ideal distance between a user and monitor should be between 50 and 80 centimetres. Ideally, the top of the screen should be positioned in line with the eyes.
2) Reduce glare
Light reflected off a screen can force your eyes to work harder and can cause increased sensitivity. Insufficient contrast between letters and background colours can also have the same effect. To combat glare, position your monitor to avoid glare, reduce any harsh environmental lighting, choose low-watt bulbs for desk lamps, and even consider an anti-glare filter for your screen.
3) Take small breaks
To limit fatigue, take a break every 20 minutes to look away from your monitor and focus on something at least 20 feet (about six metres) away for at least 20 seconds. This simple exercise won’t greatly impact your workflow and will give your eyes a chance to rest.
4) Moisturise your eyes
We tend to blink less frequently when using screens. As a result, the chance of developing dry eye syndrome increases. To mitigate this effect, it’s recommended to use eye drops as well as ensure your environment has adequate moisture levels in the air, particularly during sleep.
5) Use glasses or contact lenses with a blue light filter
Computer glasses are designed with a specialised filter to minimise the impact that blue light from screens has on our eyes. They’ve been shown to effectively reduce eye fatigue and improve visual focus, comfort and contrast. As a result, you can maintain higher levels of concentration throughout the day. Computer glasses may even have a positive impact on sleep quality. Additionally, some contact lenses feature Transitions Light Intelligent technology that quickly adapts to changes in light, reducing stress on your eyes when transitioning between natural and artificial lighting. These lens models also provide protection against blue light emitted by computers and smartphones, as well as offer UV protection.