Computer screens are getting bigger and bigger. That means we spend more time looking at them, and some researchers worry that long periods staring into the back of a laptop or smartphone could permanently damage your vision.
Do computer screens hurt your eyes? Is there an actual medical reason to stop using them? Many people wonder about this, and many are concerned about the effects computer screens have on their vision.
Computer screens are everywhere and are a part of our everyday lives. Unfortunately, they don’t always have the healthiest effect on our vision.
In this blog post, we will discuss computer screens’ effects on your eyes and what you can do to protect your vision.
While most computer screens are not a hazard to your eyes, some are known to cause eye strain.
This is why many people switch to laptop computers and other handheld devices. Laptops are smaller and easier to hold and have much less glare.
If you spend a lot of time staring at a computer screen, you may need to consider investing in some glasses with a higher-power lens.
Computer screens are getting bigger and brighter. There are more apps, web pages, and computer games out there. All of these things are making our eyes work harder and harder. This is causing eye strain, dryness, itching, burning, and pain. A recent survey by Dr. Alan Greene found that 90% of people suffer from computer screen eye strain (sometimes called computer vision syndrome).
How to fix computer screen eye strain
It’s easy to find articles that claim “computer screens cause vision problems.” However, very few sources are backed up by scientific research.
I’ve found a simple solution that helps reduce eye strain caused by computer use.
You can use a free app called F.lux. F.lux is an application that changes the color temperature of the computer screen based on the time of day and your preference.
While there are many other solutions, F.lux is the easiest and most effective to implement.
What causes computer screen eye strain
Computer screens can cause many problems, from eye strain and dry eye to headaches and blurred vision. But what exactly are the causes, and how do we prevent them?
First, let’s talk about the basics. The human eye is divided into the cornea and the retina. The cornea is a transparent, dome-shaped structure covering the eye’s front. It focuses light onto the back of the eye. The retina is a sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye that converts light energy into electrical signals.
Now that we know what the eye does, let’s discuss how computer screens work. When light enters the eye, it travels along the optic nerve and is converted to electrical signals. These signals are then sent to the brain and interpreted as images.
Most modern computers have LCDs. These thin, flat panels contain millions of tiny lights that can be lit up or turned off. They are called “liquid crystal displays” because their work resembles how light passes through a liquid.
Unfortunately, LCDs aren’t perfect. Some colors are lighter than others, causing a lot of contrast between the bright and dark parts of the image. The difference in brightness is often so significant that it creates headaches, eyestrain, and blurred vision.
A combination of two things causes this headachese brightness of the display itself.
2. The angle at which the display is viewed.
When the display is viewed from the side, it tends to “wash out,” making the image appear dim and hazy. The only way to fix this problem is to adjust the display’s settings.
While this can be done, getting a good balance between the brightness and the angle takes some practice.
How computer vision syndrome can affect you
Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a term used to describe a condition where your eyes are affected by prolonged exposure to computer screens.
It is most commonly seen in people looking at a screen for long periods, such as gamers, graphic designers, and programmers. CVS can be treated but can also indicate another health problem, so a doctor must check it out.
People suffering from CVS experience several symptoms, including dry and itchy eyes, blurry vision, headaches, neck pain, neck tension, strain, fatigue, eyestrain, and redness and discomfort around the eyes.
When looking at a screen, your eyes are exposed to many different light frequencies, which can damage your eyes.
For example, blue light can cause your pupils to dilate, affecting your vision. It can also contribute to dry eyes.
Red light can harm your eyes, mainly when emitted by a screen. It can also cause your eyes to feel tired, leading to headaches.
In addition, your eyes are constantly exposed to high amounts of stress. This is something that your body needs to adapt to, and you can develop problems if you are exposed to it for too long.
While some people are immune to the effects of computers on their vision, most people are not.
Computer vision syndrome is an issue that everyone should know and keep an eye on. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, it is best to take action before your condition worsens.
What is Computer Screen Syndrome (CSS)?
Computer Screen Syndrome (CSS) is the name given to the condition whereby a person has problems looking at computer screens. CSS is caused by prolonged staring at computer screens. Many people assume this is because their eyes are tired, but that’s not true. This is the first time I’ve heard of CSS, and I’m stunned. According to a recent study by Ophthalmologists, the amount of time a person spends looking at a screen can affect their eyesight, even if the screen is only on for a short time.
Screen glare – When you stare at a screen for an extended period, your eyes can become strained and irritated. This can lead to headaches, blurred vision, and eye strain. There are several reasons why this could be the case:
Blue light – Light can affect your eyes. Studies show that when you spend a lot of time staring at screens, you can suffer from a reduction in the amount of blue light that you see. This can cause eye problems such as migraines and poor night vision.
Eye strain – Staring at a screen for an extended period can be tiring. If you suffer from eye strain, this may also contribute to your symptoms.
The good news is that there are several things you can do to improve your eye health.
Firstly, you should never stare at a computer screen for over 30 minutes. If you are staring at a screen for a lot longer, you can reduce its impact on your eyes.
You can also use glasses or an anti-glare filter.
Finally, you can use an anti-blue light filter. These are available to purchase online and work by blocking out harmful wavelengths of light.
The thing you should keep on your Mind
- My eyes are getting worse.
- Do you think I should see an eye doctor?
- Does your family doctor have anything they can do to help?
- What do I do if my eyes hurt a lot and are constantly leaking?
- How can I avoid my eyes hurting and leaking when I look at the computer?
Conclusion
My eyesight has been steadily deteriorating since I was in my early 20s. At first, it seemed like my vision was improving. But recently, things have gotten worse. My eye doctor told me that I probably stare at the computer screen all day. He suggested I look into getting a new monitor, but I wasn’t sure what to get.
