6 Tips to Avoid Computer Vision Syndrome

Amid Coronavirus, communication is now heavily dependent on computers, smartphones, and other digital devices. From the moment we wake up, we take a peek at our smartphones for any messages or updates we missed while we were asleep. Then we spend a considerable portion of our day in front of a computer or laptop staring at the backlit screens. Our eyes face a lot of eye strains due to continually looking at bright blue lights.

Computer vision syndrome is a new problem that has emerged in this century following increased computer usage at home and work. The situation has intensified during the work-from-home 2020 season. There is a relationship between ocular symptoms such as redness, pain, blurring of vision, dryness, double vision, and other neck and head sprains and computer usage. 

The Problem

Due to the extreme use of computers and smartphones, we hardly ever look into the distance anymore. The problem here is that your eye muscles are constantly under a state of strain and stress. Our eyes have ciliary muscles. These are the muscles that regulate the shape of the eye lens. When the ciliary muscle is in a state of contraction, we can see nearby objects. When this muscle relaxes, as is the case with looking at far-off objects, we can see distant objects. Therefore, healthy eyesight is associated with an alternating process between close-up vision, whereby the ciliary muscle contracts, and distance seeing whereby the ciliary muscle is relaxed. If you spend most of your time in front of your gadget, your ciliary muscle is in a constant contraction state, whereby it is overworked. As a result of these activities related to close up vision, this leads to a buildup of tension and stress in the eye muscles. The eye muscles lose their strength, and the shape of the eye lens becomes distorted.

Symptoms

You may have encountered at least one of the following symptoms of computer vision syndrome, which include:

• Headaches
• Eyestrain
• Dry eyes
• Blurred vision
• Shoulder and Neck pain

Tips for Avoid Computer vision syndrome

Hydrate your eyes

Using lubricating eye drops can help alleviate dry eyes. But by making mild adjustments to keep your environment and body hydrated and healthy, you can reduce the chances of your eyes becoming sore and gritty. 

Avoid Dry Air

In addition to hydrating your eyes, it matters to pay close attention to your office’s air quality. Many workspace use fans, air conditioners, and ventilators that can propel dust around the air. It can disturb the tear film leading to irritation and dryness. Try relocating the fans so that they are not aimed at your face. Keep your office table free from dust. 

Drink lots of water

Dehydration hits your whole body, including the eyes, and drinking an adequate amount of water every day to let your body and eyes hydrated can let you evade dry eyes. 

Blink

Whenever we blink, we cover our eyes in a tear-film layer, keeping them moisturized and feeling soft. The study reveals that people blink up to three times less often than usual when reading for a prolonged period of staring at a computer screen, often only securing the lids partially instead of completely closing the eyes. It causes the tear film to dry and the eyesight to feel drained and uncomfortable.

Eat Snacks for Eye Health

Besides a wholesome lunch, you can make time for fruits and nuts high in vitamins E, C, and EAto support cells’ complexity in your retina. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in almonds and walnuts and used in practice to help combat dry eyes.

Sleep

When you sleep, your eyes are stimulated with nutrients and tears, making a controlled sleeping schedule necessary for happy and healthy eyes. However, sleep deprivation can cause the blood vessels in our eyes to dilate, leading to stress and eye exhaustion during the day.