With children spending hours on computers, or using the latest electronic visual gadgets received over the holidays, how much is too much when it comes to digital device use and your eyes?
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a serious condition that can cause back and neck pain, dry eye, and even headaches. Statistics show that 80 percent of what we learn is through our eyes, which means that digital eyestrain and CVS can have a major impact on students’ productivity and success in the classroom.
Eye doctors see more than 10 million people a year complaining of eye problems from staring at a digital screen – so before getting carried away with the hottest electronic gifts from the holidays, Optometrist Dr. Nate Bonilla-Warford shares easy tips to avoid eye strain and to help protect the eyes.
- Blink Often: When looking at a computer or hand-held digital device, it’s common for you to blink two to three times less than you normally would. This can lead to “dry eye.” Blinking bathes your eyes in tears, and tears are naturally therapeutic for the eyes.
- The 20/20/20 Rule: When spending long periods in front of a digital device, every 20 minutes, spend 20 seconds looking at something 20 feet away to allow your eyes to rest.
- Ensure Proper Lighting: Poor lighting often causes eye strain. To help ease the strain on your eyes, keep bright lighting overhead to a minimum and position your desk lamp to shine on your desk, and not at you.
- Wear it: If you (or your child) wear prescription glasses, they should be worn during digital use as well.Â
