The COVID-19 pandemic has increased screen time, whether for work, education, or just for fun. Unfortunately, this routine is detrimental to eye health. Increased exposure to screen devices also leads to a condition known as “Computer Vision Syndrome” (CVS), or eye syndrome disorders.
Wikipedia says 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’s muscles being unable to recover from the constant tension required to maintain focus on a close object.
Some symptoms of CVS include headaches, blurred vision, neck pain, fatigue, eye strain, dry eyes, irritated eyes, double vision, vertigo/dizziness, polyopia, and difficulty refocusing the eyes. These symptoms can be further aggravated by improper lighting conditions (i.e. glare, strong blue-spectrum backlights, or bright overhead lighting) or air moving past the eyes (e.g. overhead vents, direct air from a fan).
As we spend more time on digital screens, such as laptops, cell phones, tablets, e-readers, and even televisions, our eyes are exposed to a disproportionately increased amount of light, which can have serious consequences.
Eye strain, headaches, blurred or double vision, dry eyes, and even neck and shoulder pain are all symptoms of eye syndrome. It can even disrupt sleep patterns and make it difficult to concentrate at times.
Excessive screen time can lead to eye syndrome disorders. Eye movement and focusing necessitate extra effort from the eye muscles.
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We blink less when we are engrossed in a screen. This results in dry eyes. The ability of the eye lens to focus becomes less flexible after the age of 40.
Eye syndrome disorders affect people with normal eyes as well as those who wear glasses. Those who already have eye problems should be more cautious when staring at a screen.
The use of gadgets, particularly at home, is frequently associated with poor posture and inadequate lighting. One’s head is forced to duck down, which not only aggravates eye discomfort but also causes back and neck pain.
Eye Syndrome Disorders Preventative Measures
There are some preventative measures that can be taken to avoid eye syndrome disorders:
- First, reduce or limit the amount of time you spend staring at the screen.
- Second, make sure the computer or other device is in a well-lit area.
- Third, keep the distance between the device and the eyes in mind; it should not be too close or too far.
- Fourth, wear glasses and lenses that can filter blue light and protect you from UV rays.
- Finally, use the 20-20-20 method, which states that anyone staring at a screen should look 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
Perform the above preventative measures consistently and disciplined. The eye system will work comfortably. The eyes get much-needed rest on a regular basis. Disorders of the eye syndrome can be avoided.