More people suffer with eye strain
Whether it be using a computer at work, a laptop or tablet at home or frequently checking a smart phone throughout the day, more people are spending large amounts of time looking at electronic screens and potentially putting strain on their eyes.
Dr. Michael McGrath, of Butler Eye Care in Butler Township, said he’s seeing more patients suffering from eye strain each year.
Fortunately, eye strain is a short-term condition that can be corrected and does not cause any permanent damage.
“We see a lot of patients with digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. When patients spend more time looking at digital devices, their eyes become more tired and more strained,” McGrath said.
Some of the measures that people can take to alleviate, or prevent, eye strain include adjusting computer workstations and remembering to take periodic breaks from their screens.
McGrath said he recommends following the “20/20/20 rule.” For every 20 minutes spent looking at a computer screen or digital device, one should take a 20 second break and look at something that is at least 20 feet away.
Ideally a computer-user should be looking down at his screen at a 10 to 15 degree angle. This can be accomplished by adjusting the person’s chair, computer monitor or desk.
They should also try to position their face about 20 to 24 inches from the screen.
For patients who consistently experience symptoms, their doctor can prescribe special computer glasses.
Dr. Jeff Wigton of Wigton Eye Care Associates in Butler said adjusting computer and workspace ergonomics is the best way to prevent strain.
“The computer is a big issue with eye strain. Most computer screens are not ergonomically healthy,” Wigton said.
One rule to remember when setting up a workstation is that eye movement is preferable to head movement that can lead to neck or back issues as well as eye strain, he said.
To prevent glare, which can potentially lead to strain, a computer screen should be positioned with windows to the side, not in front or behind the screen.
People should also make sure that the font size on their screen is large enough to read without squinting, he said.
A simple way for a person to test if the type is large enough is to stand back three times the normal distance from the screen and see if they can still make out the words, he said.
Wigton said some research suggests a link between certain wavelengths of blue light emitted by some screens and long-term eye problems.
As a result, some glasses manufacturers have started making lenses with a special antiglare coating that blocks that light.
Other research indicates that using electronic devices like computers, cell phones and tablets one to two hours before going to bed can negatively affect a person’s sleep cycle and ability to get a good night’s rest.
