What are digital devices?
These can be computer screens, smart phones, tablets and similar devices.
Can looking at digital devices cause eye strain?
Dry eyes,fatigue, bad lighting or how you sit in front of these screens can cause eye strain. Symptoms of eye strain include sore or irritated eyes and difficulty focusing. You may also have symptoms of eye strain if you need glasses or change your glasses.
Can looking at computer screens damage my eyes?
While eye fatigue and discomfort are common among digital device users, these symptoms are not caused by the screen itself. Digital screens give off little or no harmful radiation (such as UV or X-Rays). All levels of radiation from device screens are below levels that can cause eye damage such as cataracts.
Do digital screens give off blue light?
Digital screens do expose your eyes to blue light. The amount of blue light exposure you get from digital devices is small compared to the amount of exposure from the sun. However, there is concern over the long-term effects of screen exposure because of the close proximity of the screens and the length of time spent looking at them. According to a recent NEI-funded study, children’s eyes absorb more blue light than adults from digital device screens.
What can I do to prevent eye strain?
You can help prevent eye strain by making changes to your work space and by visiting your eye doctor. Here are a few ideas on how to make your work space more comfortable.
Computer glasses with blue light blockers such, as Hoya Recharge, can help ease eye strain and block blue light from digital devices.
Anti-reflective lenses reduce glare and increase contrast.
Place your screen 20 to 26 inches away from your eyes and a little below your eye level.
Change your lighting to lower glare and reflections. Glare filters over your screen can help.
Screens that tilt and swivel are helpful. Use an adjustable chair and keyboard.
Use a document holder close to your screen to minimize head or eye movement so you don’t have to constantly change eye focus.
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Please Note: Our experts do not provide medical advice on this platform. If you are experiencing signs/symptoms of a medical condition, seek medical attention with your eye care provider.
