Your Electronic Screens Can Hurt Your Vision
The good news is that computers, televisions and other electronic devices aren’t as bad for your eyes as they once were. That’s because cathode ray tubes emitted a low level of X-ray radiation while the new LCD screens give off none. So there used to be an element of truth behind the admonition: “Don’t sit too close to the TV or you’ll go blind!”
A cathode ray tube once provided the only type of screen you could watch outside of a movie theater. Electronic devices today are much more sophisticated… and eye-friendly. But that doesn’t mean constantly checking your cellphone or spending hours in front of a computer screen is good for your eyes.
The Real Threat to Eyesight
Today, people are spending more and more time using technology. In fact, one report found that Americans spend 11 of 18 waking hours a day with some kind of electronic device, including television (as of 2014, see the chart below). To protect your eyes from the computer and other devices, you have to guard against eyestrain.
Find more statistics at Statista
Too much uninterrupted screen time can actually cause a condition called computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain. The symptoms of this medically recognized condition include:
- Headache
- Tired eyes
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- Neck pain
- Dry eyes
- Contact lens irritation
- Inability to focus
Working on a computer, reading on a tablet and messaging on a smart phone all take their toll on your eyes. It’s not the same as reading a book because electronic screens emit light. Long term, continued and unprotected screen time, especially up close, can lead to age-related macular degeneration, a condition that can cause blindness if left untreated.
How to Protect Your Eyes from the Computer
The principals of Ray Access are certainly no Luddites when it comes to technology, but it still makes sense to protect your eyes from the computer. Fortunately, there are several products and techniques to help you do exactly that. Follow these tips:
- Think ergonomically. If you spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen, set it up so that the top of the screen is even with your eye level. You should never sit so that you’re looking up at the screen. Also, your computer screen should be two to three feet from your eyes.
- Set the lighting. Make sure there’s no glare being reflected on your screen. Glare adds to eyestrain. Eliminate fluorescent lighting if possible and keep the light level slightly below the light level of your screen, whether it’s a computer, tablet or cellphone.
- Consider filters. Either a specific blue light filter or special computer eyeglasses can protect your eyes from the computer. If you suffer from eyestrain, consider this an investment in the health of your eyes.
- Limit your time in front of a screen. The 20-20-20 rule applies here. The idea is that every 20 minutes, focus your eyes away from the screen for 20 seconds at an object that’s about 20 feet away. Even 20 seconds gives your eyes a needed break.
- Get proper eye care. If you look at electronic screens all the time, make sure you schedule regular vision tests with your optometrist or ophthalmologist.
And that’s how you can protect your eyes from the computer, tablet, phone and any other electronic device. It’s the best way to keep your eyes healthy.
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