Do you spend hours a day working on your computer or mobile device for work? If so, this can cause some serious stress on your eyes. Those who look at a computer screen for prolonged periods of time can develop severe headaches, dry eyes, and even vision problems. There’s an actual catch term for eye problems caused by computer use – Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). If you’re not sure whether you’re desk-job is ruining your eye-sight, find out below.

Blurred Vision

Digital eye strain from staring at the computer for long periods of time can lead to blurry vision. This happens because computers put excess strain on our visual system. If the text on your screen is starting to look fuzzy, it’s time to take a break and rest your eyes.

Focal Issues

When you sit at a computer, you have to continuously focus and refocus. This requires a lot of effort from your eye muscles and tissues. And unlike reading off a piece of paper, the screen adds contrast and glare. Not only can this cause eye strain but it can also tire your eye muscles enough to impact your focal ability. Studies have also shown that people who spend a significant amount of time at a computer tend to become nearsighted over time.

Headaches and Dizziness

Do you experience pounding headaches and bouts of dizziness throughout the day? You may be experiencing symptoms of prolonged eye strain. Headaches from computers are often caused by the glare on the screen, poor lighting, and improper screen brightness.  

Dry or Tearing Eyes

Burning eyes don’t necessarily mean you have a sight issue. When we look at a computer, we tend to blink less and put our eye muscles into overdrive. This can quickly dry out our eyes and cause them to burn or tear up. The good news is that dry and watery eyes are only temporary. 

Here are some tips to reduce your risk of eye strain from prolonged computer use at work.

Take A Break Every 20 Minutes

Avoid staring at the screen for long periods of time when using a computer. Try giving your eyes a bit of a break by looking away every 20 minutes and focusing on something else. This will give your eyes a much-needed rest and also help you to maintain your focus and prevent strain.

Reduce Screen Glare

You can reduce the glare that hits your computer screen by reducing the amount of light in the room. If you don’t have control over your work lighting, you can purchase an anti-glare screen to put over your monitor.

Properly Position Your Monitor

If you’re constantly looking up at your monitor, you’re going to be putting extra strain on your neck and eyes. For easier viewing, position your monitor so that the top of the screen is placed slightly below your eye level.

Try Computer Glasses

There are specially designed glasses that have an anti-reflective coating to help reduce eye glare. These reading glasses can help you keep focused on the computer for longer as they increase contrast, making it easier to focus on the screen. 

There’s no evidence that computer use can cause any lasting long-term damage to your eyes, but it can lead to regular discomfort and disruptions to your vision. If you experience any of the above symptoms, it might be time to talk to an eye doctor. They’ll inspect your eyes, make sure you don’t have any underlying issues and can also help you find a solution for the glare and strain. Contact us today at Laurier Optical to set up an appointment with one of our specialists.