Maintaining Good Eye Health in our Digital World

I’m almost scared to admit how many hours a day I spend on the computer, and if you calculate television time, my nook reader, and my iPod it’s downright frightening. But for argument's sake let’s just say it’s probably about twelve hours a day. Yes I spend half of the day using some kind of digital device; that’s about 8 hours at work on the computer, 1 hour of television, 2 hours of working at home and another hour of watching TV on my iPhone, reading with my Nook or checking email.  As a result, my optometrist has advised that I wear computer glasses to reduce eye strain.

Last week I participated in the webinar, Protection: Your iHealth in the Digital World with Dr. Jason Miller, O.D. and learned there are steps you can take to protect your eyes and your vision.

According to a recent study, Americans spend roughly 8.5 hours a day in front of a screen, and screen time actually increases between the ages of 45-54 to 9.5 hours per day. That’s just the average American, what about bloggers and other media experts that depend on social media through the use of their computers? I’m already considered above average with my 12 hours of screen time daily, and that’s an achievement that has more consequences then rewards.  If you are like me then you may have already experienced symptoms of eye strain or other problems with your vision. 

Dr. Jason Miller suggests that if we are discovering problems with our vision it may be Computer Vision Syndrome or early stages of presbyopia.

Computer Vision Syndrome by definition is "a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer use. Symptoms can include eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes and neck and shoulder pain.

Presbyopia or "the aging eye" is defined as a vision condition in which the crystalline lens of your eye loses its flexibility, making it difficult for you to focus on close objects, like a computer screen. It is actually part of the natural aging process, but it’s amplified by computer screen use. Signs that you may have presbyopia can include things like trouble reading small print, squinting while reading, blurred vision, dry eyes and headaches.

Before you delete your blog and toss out all your digital devices there are simple solutions available to help make yourself more comfortable so that you can continue to survive in our digital world.

Abide by the 20/20 Rule:  Take 20 second breaks after every 20 minutes of computer use. Shift your vision to something new that is at least 20 feet away.

Screen Placement:  Keep your monitor at least 25" or more away from your eyes.

Monitor Tilt:  Tilt your screen so the top is slightly further away from you then the bottom.

Lighting: Try and use ceiling-mounted lights, indirect lighting, and control outside lights with blinds and shades.

Font Size:  You can also reduce eye-strain by enlarging the font size on your digital devices, including your hand-held devices.

The most important thing to do when it comes to protecting your vision is to see your Optometrist regularly especially if you are experiencing vision problems. Work with your doctor to determine the best vision solution for you, whether it’s glasses or multifocal lenses. For more information on multifocals visit the CooperVision blog.

Our vision is probably the most important sense we have so it makes sense that we protect it.  My business and income is dependent on my vision, without proper vision I wouldn’t be able to work and provide for my family.