These days, sources of income and entertainment often involve staring at blue light-emitting screens for a long time. This may strain your eyes and lead to computer vision syndrome. Your trusted optometrist from Eyes on Norbeck talks about this condition in detail.
How Does Computer Vision Syndrome Happen?
Blue light is all around us. In fact, the sun emits them in the form of ultraviolet rays. Among the light rays, blue ones have short wavelengths and high energy frequencies. These properties cause them to emit an inconsistent flow of light that can readily penetrate your eyes. Overexposure to this kind of radiation may cause your eyes harm over time.
One common problem often associated with too much blue light exposure is computer vision syndrome. Also referred to as digital eye strain, this is the visual discomfort you experience after spending long hours using laptops, smartphones, or other similar devices. Apart from eye fatigue, you may experience headaches, neck pain and blurry or double vision as well. Dry eyes is a common consequence of staring at your monitors for an extended time too. Having any of these symptoms is a sign you need to visit your optometrist for a computer vision exam.
How Is It Managed?
During your eye exam, we first establish your history. We may ask about your lifestyle, including the nature of your work, hobbies and habits. This can help us confirm computer vision syndrome and determine its cause. We may also have you undergo eye tests to identify any vision errors.
Upon confirming your digital eye strain, we may suggest following the 20-20-20 rule. This means letting your eyes rest for at least 20 seconds every time you have spent 20 minutes dealing with your device. You can do so by looking at an object 20 feet away.
We also offer computer eyeglasses specially engineered to block blue light. Wearing them can lower the risk of digital eye strain, even if you spend long hours working on your computer or watching your favorite TV shows. We can add a layer of anti-glare coating as well for your added visual protection.
To learn more ways to prevent computer vision syndrome, call us at (301) 241-0553. You may also complete our contact form to request an appointment. We proudly serve Rockville and the surrounding MD areas.
