Effect Of Screen On Sight

In the world of medical science, more precisely in the field of ophthalmology, more and more studies are being conducted regarding the impact of screens on vision. Consultations regarding eye disorders due to the use of electronic devices have increased sharply.

That is why the concept of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) arose . This disorder occurs when the exposure to monitors is greater than 3 hours a day or the brightness of the monitor is above the recommended level. It also happens when the distance between a person’s eyes and the screen is too short.

As we know, modern life involves constant use of a variety of screens. We use televisions, tablets, mobile phones, computers. In fact, we have even installed monitors in household appliances. Our eyes spend their days struggling to focus on the way necessary to interpret these devices.

Often, we spend the vast majority of our ocular efforts looking at our cell phones. As we keep them at a short distance from our heads, we impose binocular vision on our eyes.

If you are in doubt about the screen’s impact on vision, read on here. We tell you about the symptoms as well as the recommendations you can follow. With simple measures, you can combat the problem.

Also read: Dry eye syndrome: How to fight it naturally

Effect of screen on vision: The symptoms

When we understand the effect of screens on vision, we realize the logic behind the symptoms. It is about looking for signs of eye fatigue due to excessive exertion.

Among the most common symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome we can mention the following:

• Blurred vision or double vision: This is medically known as diplopia.
• A sandy sensation in the eyeball: This leads to intense rubbing of the eye.
• Red eyes: This is due to irritation and inflammation of the eye as well as constant rubbing.
• Pain behind the eyes.
• Headache: Visual fatigue can lead to headaches. Headaches can also come from cell phones and the position of our heads when we use them.

What effect do screens have on vision?

A number of mechanisms are unconsciously in play when we use screens. Our bodies are changing the forms and ways in which they perform their usual functions to adapt to electronic devices.

One of the fundamental questions that the impact of screens on vision entails has to do with our ability to focus. When our eyes are at rest, they easily focus on objects that are far away. But when they have to focus on something that is close, they offset compensation mechanisms that require effort. These adjustments lead to fatigue.

In addition, the concentration required by monitors must not be underestimated. Our eyes tend to stay open for extended periods of time and we blink much less frequently. On average, we blink 15 to 20 times a minute. However, the mere act of using a monitor can bring the number down to 3 times a minute.

Last but not least, and this is something that we will spend more time on, as screens emit a significant amount of blue light. This blue light is a fragment of the light spectrum that can penetrate to the retina. It reaches the macula and worsens it over time.

Blue light and sight

The blue light emitted by electronic devices is both beneficial and harmful at the same time. Thanks to this blue light, these devices can consume less energy. However, research has shown that the same light is dangerous to the health of our retinas.

The sun also emits blue light. Therefore, our eyes have known this type of light since the day we were born. The problem with the blue light that comes from screens is that it comes from a source that is much closer to our eyes. And this is exactly where the damage comes from.

Also read: My child suffers from technology addiction

Physically, blue light is a shortwave and high energy light. Given these characteristics, our eyes need to make a greater effort to focus.

Recommendations to reduce the impact of screens on vision

There are several basic measures we can take on a daily basis to reduce the impact of screens on vision:

• Rest your eyes: For work that requires you to look at a computer screen, take the time to relax your eyes. Practice looking away from your screen for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, focusing on an object 20 meters away.
• Create a healthy distance from electronic devices: Screens must be at least 60 cm away from our eyes. For larger screens such as televisions, the distance must be at least 2 meters.
• Blink: We already know that we blink much less often when using screens. Therefore, we need to make a conscious effort and force ourselves to blink when we spend time on electronic devices. This flash produces tears that moisten the eyeball.

• Ensure good lighting: Using electronic devices in low light environments is counterproductive. Our eyes must make a greater effort, and the effect of the screen light on the retina is increased.

The solution is not to give up screens altogether. In the world we live in today, that would be impossible. But what we need to do is follow these recommendations to reduce the detrimental impact of screens on our visual health.