Using computers is part and parcel of everyday life. From searching the internet to using social media, it’s a way of living for many people. However, there is a downside: computer vision syndrome (CVS).
Many people are not aware that CVS can be an issue and may go undiagnosed by their doctor or optometrist because symptoms vary in nature from person to person. However, if you find that your eyes feel dry or tired after staring at a screen for any length of time and there is also blurred vision or headaches then it's possible CVS could be the issue.
If you're experiencing blurred vision or headaches then it's possible CVS could be the issue.
Computer vision syndrome is not a disease, it's more like an eye strain. It can also be called “digital eyestrain”. The symptoms are similar to the feeling of being tired and having heavy eyes in the morning after staring at your computer screen all night long. This happens because when you look at bright screens for too long, your pupils dilate which causes less blood flow to go to the retina and optic nerve (the light sensors).
How to treat Computer Vision Syndrome
Computer vision syndrome can be treated by taking breaks with your eyes. You can also wear glasses or contact lenses that have filters to reduce the amount of light coming in from screens. You can get these glasses online in Sri Lanka, as well as find contact lenses in Sri Lanka that will help you with this condition. If you are doing a lot of computer work, it is best to use an anti-reflective coating on your screen so there is less glare and eye strain when looking at the bright light for long periods.
Preventing computer eye strain
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Prevention is always better than cure, so if you want to avoid getting computer vision syndrome, make sure you take regular breaks from the screen.
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It is also a good idea not to look at screens too close or for too long because it will cause eye irritation and fatigue.
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Finally, remember that looking up often instead of staring down can help reduce eyestrain so try taking a break every 20 minutes by doing something else like reading an article in paper form!
Tips for using computers and screens more effectively
There are many ways that you can make your work-life with screens easier on yourself. Some of these include using a bigger font size (preferably around 16), turning the brightness down, not watching TV or looking at other screens while working and making sure to blink regularly because that will minimize dryness in the eyes.
How to help your children avoid problems with their vision from technology use at home
Children are far more susceptible to computer vision syndrome, especially with the current trend of schooling from home due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They are doing a lot of online classes, which means they are exposed to the computer screen for far longer than before, resulting in more eye strain.
Some ways you can help children reduce eye strain are:
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Maintain a routine of at least 30 minutes away from the screen for every two hours spent on it.
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Ask them to blink regularly to minimize dryness in the eyes, especially if they have been staring at the computer or TV screens for long periods without blinking.
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Increase font size and turn down brightness when possible so that children are not straining their eyes by viewing text online as well as on-screen content.
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Encourage kids to take breaks periodically; stand up and walk around during activities which require lots of concentration like reading, writing, drawing or playing video games. This will help them avoid eyestrain over time.
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Keep an eye out for symptoms such as headache after activity involving computers or tv's, or other digital devices.
If you or your children are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to have your eyes examined as soon as possible. Getting regular check-ups of your eyes is a great way to ensure they stay healthy.
We are lucky to have two of the most important organs in our body, but we don’t need to risk eye health with long hours on digital screens or by not protecting them from UV rays. It is important that children and adults take care of their eyes so they can continue seeing into old age.
There are many options when it comes to getting glasses and spectacle frames online, so you can get something that suits the shape of your face, enhancing your looks and your eye health at the same time.
