New technology makes our lives easier, more productive, and even more fun. With smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other mobile devices, we can take our entertainment and work with us. There can however be too much of a good thing. In a digital world where paper is replaced with screens, computer vision is rising. Even with leaps and bounds made in digital displays, the eye care community is seeing an increase in the effects of over using technology.
What is computer vision?
For those who haven’t heard the term computer vision, it is a condition caused by spending too much time looking at digital screens. As our eyes are trained to see 3D objects, the 2D digital screens cause eye strain as you look at them. For most users this condition is unnoticed until it is too late. Though many users experience many of the symptoms, they are often overlooked.
Over time the eye strain caused by digital screens causes blurry vision and even permanent nearsightedness. With so many users utilizing tablets, smartphones and laptops, there has been an increase in cases of blurry vision, nearsightedness and even regular headaches caused by hours of technological use.
Symptoms of Computer Vision:
As your eyes strain, you will see symptoms of computer vision. If you are experiencing headaches, dry or itchy eyes, redness in your eyes and blurry vision, you may be suffering from computer vision. If you start noticing the effects, you may be able to reverse it by limiting the amount of time looking at digital screens.
Preventing Computer Vision:
There are ways to prevent computer vision if you have not yet damaged your vision. While working on the computer, tablet or phone, look away from the screen every 15-20 minutes and focus on an object in the distance. If you are feeling the aching effects of eye strain, you will notice it instantly subsides as you look away. This is indication that your vision is in danger of being damaged from overuse.
Other factors contributing to computer vision may be poor lighting, screen glare, improper viewing distances, poor posture, or previous uncorrected vision problems. Aging can also factor into the amount of damage computer screens cause your vision. While many users will experience instant relief once they stop looking at the screen, others may notice a decrease in vision.
Treating Computer Vision:
If you are among the many users that have permanently damaged your vision by computer overuse, there are ways to restore your vision and prevent more damage. Prescription glasses are one option that is often chosen to clear up blurry vision. Many users will only wear the glasses while working on computers or tablets. Others decide to get Lasik eye surgery to correct their vision. This has been successful however; you will still need to be careful not to damage your eyes in the future.
Many of us love the technology we use every day. With the increase in productivity and entertainment, technology is changing the world. As with anything that is good, it is not always good for us. If you find yourself using computers and tablets throughout your day, take your vision into consideration and prevent permanent damage to your eyes. Take a break when your eyes tell you to and keep your vision crisp and clear.
Sara Roberts is a writer who purchased her eyeglasses from Just Eyewear to work on her computer more comfortably.