Does Spending A Lot Of Time In Front Of A Screen Damage Your Eyesight?

Spending many hours working in front of a computer screen has various effects on the eyes. First of all, it is a risk factor for increased myopia.

There is much evidence that prolonged use of short distance vision with artificial light exacerbates the amount of myopia in children with genetic predisposition.

As a content marketer or someone in the digital world, you will know that using a computer is vital to your job.

Working with computers is the way in which we earn our money and assist our clients. But what is it doing to our eye health? 

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Screens cause eye fatigue (dry eye, blurred vision, headache). In front of a screen we are always anticipating things, such as in constant alertness, and the brain interprets it as a dangerous situation, which is why it inhibits the blink reflex in order to be able to be very attentive with eyes wide open.

In normal situations we will not spend more than 8-10 seconds without blinking, but surprisingly before the screen we can easily be half a minute. It is recommended to make frequent interruptions, consciously blink often and use artificial tears.

Finally, there is the alleged toxicity of blue light. A lot has been written lately and filters have been recommended, but there is no scientific evidence to support it for its effects on vision. The American Academy of Ophthalmology does not recommend special screen filters.

Another thing is the stimulating effect that this blue light can have on our brain, affecting the levels of melatonin, so its use before going to sleep can alter our circadian rhythms and in the long run cause health problems related to faulty patterns of the dream.

Ideally, avoid using screens in the last two hours before going to sleep.

What can you do for your eyes?

You can certainly look after your eyes in a number of ways. Get regular eye checks and stay on top of your prescription glasses. If you need more information you can find more info on the subject and research it well in order to pick the right pair.

As a writer or businessperson, you will find your eyes tire quicker than the average person’s. Bathing them helps, keeping the moisture in and taking regular breaks from the screen is vital to stop you burning out. 

Use these tips to assist further: 

1. Sit at a distance of approximately 60 centimeters from the computer screen, and position the screen in such a way that you can look at it slightly downwards.    
2. Reduce the brightness of the screen by illuminating the work area adequately, and use a screen filter if necessary.    
3. Write a note that says ‘Blink!’, and place it on the computer as a reminder.    
4. Use the rule ’20-20-20 ‘, this means that every 20 minutes take a look at an object that is about 6 meters away. 

With these small tips, you can continue working in a healthy way. Be sure that you look at the above tips and correct your human behavior before it’s too late.