Digital device protection
TECHNOLOGY AND
YOUR EYES
We spend more and more time using
digital devices, with potentially harmful
effects on our sight. Here are some
helpful tips to protect your eyes.
DIGITAL DEVICES
AND EYE STRAIN
Computers, laptops, tablets, mobiles and video games place particular demands on our vision.
Using digital devices requires our eyes to continually move into different positions, change focus between shorter and longer distances and rotate towards and away from each other. What's more, staring at bright screens expose your eyes to blue-violet light, which can damage the retina and disturb sleep patterns. In addition, handheld devices like smartphones come with their own challenges:
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Smaller, less defined characters that are harder to see
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Screens that are less visible in bright sunlight
Computer vision syndrome (CVS) - Frequent use of digital devices can cause a range of eye and vision problems, known collectively as Computer Vision Syndrome. Symptoms of CVS include:
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Eyestrain
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Tired eyes
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Loss of focus
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Blurred vision
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Double vision
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Headaches
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Fatigue
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Neck and shoulder pain
PREVENTING
COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME
Here are our top ten advice points to help protect your eyes against CVS.
- Take breaks: Resting your eyes helps keep them moist. Use the 20-20-20 rule, by taking a 20 second screen break every 20 minutes to look at objects 20 feet away from you.
- Think bigger: Increase font size when reading on-screen, so that devices don’t need to be too close to your eyes, and you don’t have to squint.
- Stay clean: A clean screen boosts visibility. Wipe your screen over at least once a day.
- Set screens: Adjust brightness, resolution and contrast for better clarity and comfort. Where possible, avoid using devices in bright sunlight.
- Cut glare: Keep monitors away from windows – and never face a window when using a computer. Consider using an anti-glare screen for your laptop or computer, and having anti-glare lenses if you wear glasses.
- Keep blinking: Staring at a screen makes us blink less often, which dries out the eyes. Blinking moistens the eyes, reducing dryness and irritation.
- Drop in: Use drops to help keep your eyes moist, especially if you wear contact lenses.
- Eat healthy: Omega 3 oils naturally lubricate the eyes, and are found in flaxseed oil and some fish. You can also take them as supplements.
- Get tested: Regular eye examinations should find any symptoms of CVS you might be suffering from.
- Get advice: If you wear glasses, check with your optician whether your lenses are right for your computer use.