January 30, 2021

There’s no disguising the fact that we are spending more time using digital devices than ever before. One study found that American adults spend more than 10 hours each day using screens, for work, study, and recreational time. Technology may make day to day life easier in lots of ways but spending such long hours in front of screens isn’t great for our health. One of the effects is digital eye strain, which can lead to Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).

Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is a collection of eye and vision-related problems that arise as a result of prolonged use of digital screens. This includes computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones and e-readers.

Symptoms of digital eye strain

People who are suffering from digital eye strain or CVS can experience a range of different symptoms. These include, but aren’t limited to:

• Blurred or double vision

• Sore, itchy, or burning eyes

• Eye fatigue and headaches

• Increased sensitivity to light

• Difficulty concentrating

• Watery eyes or dry eyes

• Disruption to sleep/wake cycle

Digital eye strain can be uncomfortable and frustrating, but it can also lead to permanent consequences for your vision. Children who spend excess time on digital devices can suffer from debilitating near-sightedness. If spending less time using digital devices is not an option, there are things that you can do to help minimize the effect that it has on your eyes. One of these is to wear blue light glasses.

What are blue light glasses?

Blue blocking glasses, do exactly what their name suggests – they block out blue light that is emitted by our digital devices. Many people don’t realize that their screens produce blue light. While we need a certain amount day to day, it is better to get our blue light from the sun, which is our biggest natural source of blue light. Blue light helps to regulate our sleep-wake cycle, improve our memory and other cognitive skills and even helps to combat bad moods, anxiety and depression. However, the symptoms of digital eye strain occur when we’ve been exposed to too much blue light from an artificial source.

Blue light glasses have special lenses that have been designed to filter out the blue light that is emitted by our digital devices. The lenses also help to protect our eyes from glare and could reduce any potential damage to our retina caused by prolonged exposure to blue light. Precisely how much blue light your glasses will block will depend on the variety that you choose, but your eye doctor in Puyallup, WA at East Main Vision Clinic will help you find some that are effective.

Blue light glasses should be used in conjunction with limiting your exposure to excessive blue light and prolonged periods in front of screens. Take regular screen breaks, follow the 20-20-20 rule (looking away every 20 minutes, at something at least 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds, which enables your eyes to adjust their focus), and don’t sit too close to the screen.

If you are concerned about digital eye strain and would like more information from East Main Vision Clinic about blue light glasses, give our Puyallup eyecare team a call today at 253-780-0700.