Computer Screens Are Damaging Your Vision

Computer Screens Are Damaging Your Vision

Did you look at a computer or smart phone screen today? If the answer is “yes,” then you could have damaged your eyes. Experts say there’s a new condition called Computer Vision Syndrome that causes blurry vision, literally short-term near-sightedness. It typically lasts for a few seconds, but over time, it can become permanent. You’re at risk if you look at any electronic screen for two hours or more a day. So why are screens destroying our vision? Here’s what the American Optometric Association has to say:

* Our eyes see in 3-D. So, we end up over-focusing to search for 3-D images that don’t exist on a 2-D screen, which causes eye strain.

* Another reason screen time destroys our vision: Because we’re too up close and personal with our gadgets. Our eyes naturally focus 20 feet away from our face, but since most of us look at a computer or smart phone screen from less than two feet away, it’s forcing our eye muscles to work non-stop. In fact, they get so strained that they simply can’t relax, even after you look away.

* Finally, we barely blink when we look at screens, which causes dry eyes. That's the perfect breeding ground for major infections. A recent study found that people blink an average of 16 times per minute, which regularly washes away debris and keeps our eyeballs well-lubricated. When we stare at digital screens, we blink less than six times per minute, boosting our odds of seriously dry and infected eyes.

So, how can you protect yourself?

* Follow the 20-20-20 rule. That means every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on a fixed point 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

* Adjust your computer monitor so the top of it is level with your eyes. Your eyes focus best when they're looking downward.

* Wear “computer glasses” when you’re looking at a screen. An optometrist can prescribe them to you. Instead of correcting for distance or close-up, they boost your midrange vision in order to reduce computer eyestrain.