Techno-gadgets hurting our eyes?

From computer monitor to iPads, tablets and phones, it is not unusual for many of us to spend most of the day reading digital screens.  Beyond the workday, our interaction with the digital world continues well into home-life too.  Is this dependency on our techno-gadgets and toys hurting our eyes?

In an article published online by The Sacramento Bee, it is reported that researchers from UC Berkeley found that 10 million primary care eye exams are given annually in the United States because of computer vision problems. James Sheedy, a leading researcher on the subject, said these whopping numbers should put computer vision syndrome in the national spotlight.

"This is not a small public health issue," said Sheedy, a vision researcher at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Ore. Individual vision problems and poor office ergonomics contribute to the rise in eyesight trouble, and as computer use duration increases, so do the symptoms, he said.

Some complaints computer users are visiting their eye doctors for include:

• Tired, dry or weepy eyes
• Headaches
• Blurry vision
• Eyestrain

Some tips to help ease computer related eye problems are:

• Take 20/20 - Relax your eyes every 20 minutes for 20 seconds by looking away from your screen.  Focus on something in the distance which will help give your eyes a break.
• Set the stage – Ergonomics and lighting may be making your computer work more difficult than it has to be.  Try moving or turning your screen to a comfortable distance and to eliminate glare. 
• Adjust your display settings -  Many monitors have the ability to adjust screen resolution, font size and brightness. Screen filters are also available and go over your screen and may offer some relief.
• Blink – We are prone to not blink when staring at a computer screen and this can cause your eyes to dry out. 
• Visit your eye doctor – Schedule an eye exam to ensure that your eyes are healthy and that your prescription is up to date.

Call us today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam 302.239.1933.  If you are a computer user, be sure to ask about lenses and contacts specifically designed for computer users.