With an increase in digital technology, many individuals suffer from physical discomfort after screen use for longer than two hours at a time. 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 or TV use. Many individuals experience eye discomfort and vision problems when viewing digital screens for extended periods. The level of discomfort appears to increase with the amount of digital screen use.
About 80 percent of American adults report using digital devices for more than two hours per day with nearly 67 percent using two or more devices simultaneously, and 59 percent report experiencing symptoms of digital eye strain.
The computer-using population in India is more than 40 million, and 80% of them have discomfort due to CVS. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health survey has reported that visual symptoms occur in 75-90% as opposed to 22% musculoskeletal disorders of video display terminals workers.
While more than 70 percent of American adults report their child(ren) receives more than two hours of screen time per day, nearly 25 percent are still not concerned about the impact of digital devices on their child(ren)'s developing eyes.
Meanwhile, besides playing outside, the most popular activities children engage in are playing on a digital device (23.1 percent) and watching TV (20.1 percent). And American adults report their children experience the following after being exposed to two or more hours of screen time:
Most common symptoms include eye and vision problems, such as:
Our eye muscles never evolved to stare at screens or digital devices for long periods of time.
Two of the main culprits behind Computer Vision Syndrome and Digital Eye Strain are blue Light and glare.
Ask our experts more about blue coated glasses.
Solutions to digital screen-related vision problems are varied. However, they can usually be alleviated by obtaining regular eye care and making changes in how you view the screen.
Dry eyes is a common condition that occurs when your tears aren't able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes.
Dry eyes are caused by a lack of adequate tears. Your tears are a complex mixture of water, fatty oils and mucus. This mixture helps make the surface of your eyes smooth and clear, and it helps protect your eyes from infection.
For some people, the cause of dry eyes is decreased tear production. For others it's increased tear evaporation and an imbalance in the makeup of your tears.
Aging Process
Hormonal changes or Menopause
Poor Diet
Wearing contact lenses
A comprehensive eye exam. An eye exam that includes a complete history of your overall health and your eye health can help your doctor diagnose the cause of your dry eyes.
Treatment for dry eyes usually depends on what’s causing your symptoms. There are a few different types of treatment that can ease your symptoms and help keep your eyes healthy.
Your Eye doctor will prescribe you an artificial eye drop, Gel Or Ointment to keep your eyes moist.
If your dry eye is more serious, your eye doctor may give you a prescription for medicines called cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra). These medicines are both types of eye drops that can help your eyes make more tears.
If your dry eye is more serious, your eye doctor may give you a prescription for medicines called cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra). These medicines are both types of eye drops that can help your eyes make more tears.
For example, if a medicine you take for another health condition is causing dry eye, your doctor may also suggest that you try a different medicine.
Try to avoid smoke, wind, and air conditioning
Use a humidifier to keep the air in your home from getting too dry
Limit screen time and take breaks from staring at screens
Wear wraparound sunglasses when you're outside
Drink plenty of water — try for 8 to 10 glasses every day
Get enough sleep — about 7 to 8 hours a night