Digital Eye Strain and Technology Overuse risks Working Moms need to know

Inside: If you’re wondering about the effects of digital devices on the eyes, especially as a working mom, this article shares technology overuse risks and tips to prevent eye damage.

Overuse of Digital Devices: Harmful Consequences on Your Eyes

 

The advancement of technology has definitely made everyone’s life easier for the better. But with its advantages comes a list of disadvantages – eye problems being one of them.

While there are specific eye problems caused by genetics or other reasons, some people report digital devices as the primary source of most eye problems. This is mainly because these devices emit high-energy blue light that makes your eyes strain and causes problems in your vision.

 

What is blue light?

Blue light is a part of the light spectrum with the shortest wavelength and the highest frequencies. This makes long-time exposure to blue light harmful for your eyes.

Blue light blocking glasses can help protect your eyes when using digital devices.

 

Problems caused by digital devices

Compared to red light, blue light scatters easily. Because of this, your eyes require more effort to focus, which causes a digital eye strain. Since your smartphones, laptops, and other electronic devices emit blue light, increased exposure to them causes several eye problems.

Here is a list of a few eye problems digital devices cause:

 

1. Computer Vision Syndrome

You might think, why no one ever tells you not to read a printed book for a long time, but instead, always tell you not to stare at a digital screen? This is because focusing on a digital screen for a long time makes your eyes work harder and creates computer vision syndrome. But why?

This is because the letters on digital screens are not precise or defined sharply. Even the contrast of the letters to the background is reduced, and there is a presence of glare and reflection on the screen, making it difficult for your eyes to focus.

 

2. Possible Cataracts

Even though there aren’t enough studies revolving around the connection of cataracts and blue light, many doctors have reported early to mid-30s people coming in with this problem, which shouldn’t be the case until you are in your 70s.

Even though there is no proof of blue light being a cause of cataracts, it is better to stay cautious.

3. Retina Damage

We have replaced traditional alarm clocks with digital clocks. Instead of reading a printed book to bed, some people prefer reading digital books or have entirely replaced the habit of reading with scrolling on social media. This leads to a lessened gap between digital devices and to poor vision.

According to a study, prolonged and direct exposure to blue light through digital devices has damaged your eyes, resulting in poor central vision and forming retina damage.

 

4. Blurry Vision

Digital dominance in our life has caused blurry vision to become a common eyesight challenge. But the good news is that it does not pose much of a huge threat, and you can correct it with prescribed glasses or contact lenses.

 

5. Headaches & Migraines

If you stare at a digital device for a long period, it causes eye strain leading to headaches and sometimes even triggers your migraine. This happens because the color of the text contrasts with the bright screen, making it difficult for your eyes to focus, which results in muscle spasms.

7 effective tips to prevent eye damage through digital devices

Once you know the problems caused by digital devices, you need to know expert tips that will prevent any major damage caused by them. Here we have compiled a list of seven great tips you can apply to your daily routine:

 

1. Set screen-time limits

Since we all live in the digital era, ignoring digital devices is not a practical option for work or leisure. This mindset makes you forget to take a break. Use digital devices wisely by setting a screen time and limiting yourself from their prolonged exposure.

 

2. Try to stay away from electronic devices before bed

If you have the habit of reading before going to bed, instead of opting for the digital version of a book, choose the print version and limit your digital usage. Also, refrain from scrolling through your socials.

 

3. Blink your eyes!

Did you know that blinking cleans out the debris and pushes fresh tears over the ocular surface? Blinking your eyes brings nutrients and other essential substances to the surface structure and keeps your eyes healthy.

An average blink rate is 15 blinks per minute, but it decreases by 50 percent when you engross into digital devices. So the next time you are working, stick a note on your desk to remind yourself to blink!

 

4. Place a light source behind you when using a computer

If you place a light source behind the screen, your eyes will struggle to focus and adjust to the two competing light sources. To prevent straining your eyes, you should always place a light source behind you rather than placing it behind your computer.

 

5. Keep an arm’s distance from the screen

Sitting too close to your computer or mobile screen will cause discomfort, stress, and strain in your eyes, increasing your chances of developing myopia, also known as short-sightedness. To prevent this from happening, always keep an arm’s distance between you and the screen.

 

6. Play by the 20/20/20 rule

The 20/20/20 rule goes like this – for every 20 minutes spent on a digital device, spend 20 seconds looking at something that is 20 feet away from you. This gives you a mini-break and refrains your eyes from straining.

 

7. Visit your eye doctor regularly

Even if you do not have any eyesight problems, you should regularly consult an eye doctor for checkups to prevent any eye problems.

 

Bottom Line

There is no way to give up on all your digital devices entirely. Rather, focus on rethinking your consumption habits. If you think you are spending an awful lot of time scrolling through your fancy gadgets, be considerate enough to give your eyes some break and prevent any vision challenges from coming your way.

 

 

 

Author Bio
Aaron Barriga is the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center. With a knack for understanding medical procedures, and an interest in eye and vision health, Aaron loves to share at StudyClerk what he knows and what he learns. He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK. Aaron loves collecting coasters from the different bars and restaurants he visits during his travels.