Computer Glasses & Blue Light Protection
With the increasing use of digital devices in our daily lives, we are exposed to a significant amount of blue light, leading to eye strain, headaches, and disrupted sleep. At Palermo Eye Care, we offer computer glasses with blue-light-blocking lenses to help reduce the harmful effects of blue light on your eyes.
Computer Vision Syndrome Treatment in Arlington Heights
Children between the ages of 8 and 12 spend roughly 4-6 hours each day viewing or using screens. Teenagers are believed to spend up to 9 hours per day. This leads to the development of a common condition caused by the extended use of electronic devices, known as computer vision syndrome (CVS).
What Is Digital Eye Strain?
CVS, also called digital eye strain, is a condition that affects people who spend extended periods using computers, smartphones, tablets, and other electronic screens.
The condition affects 70% of US adults. Individuals aged 18 to 34 generally experience eyestrain more intensely than people in older age groups. It's been reported that a whopping 87% of people between the ages of 20 and 29 use two or more digital devices at the same time. The American Optometric Association states that if you spend two hours or more staring at digital devices, you're likely to suffer from digital eye strain.
Digital eye strain is caused by several factors, including poor lighting, screen glare, and blue light emitted from screens. The effects on the eyes are mainly due to the constant focusing and refocusing of the eyes on the screen. Additionally, people tend to blink less when using digital devices, which causes eye fatigue, strain, and dryness. These symptoms can lead to decreased productivity, reduced work performance, and discomfort.
If left untreated, digital eye strain can lead to more severe eye problems. People with pre-existing eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy are at a higher risk of developing CVS.
The symptoms of digital eye strain can be caused by overworked eye muscles, difficulty in focusing, and problems with the surface of the eye. This leads to:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Dry or watery eyes
- Headaches
- Itchy eyes
- Neck, shoulder, or back pain
- Red eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Eye pain
- Blurry vision
What Is Blue Light and Is It Dangerous?
Lights, camera, action! Whether it’s fairy lights at a night market or Christmas lights on the tree, lights create an ambiance and can be bewitching. And while these lights don't harm our eyes, this isn't true of all lights.
Blue light is a type of light that has a shorter wavelength and higher energy than other types of light on the visible spectrum. It is emitted from many sources, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, and TVs. In recent years, excessive blue light exposure from digital devices has raised considerable concerns, particularly regarding the potential effect on the eyes.
Some studies suggest that blue light can disrupt our sleep patterns, as it suppresses melatonin production, a hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. This can lead to insomnia, fatigue, and other sleep-related problems. Moreover, exposure to blue light can cause digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome.
While there is currently no evidence that blue light from digital screens causes permanent damage to the eyes, some experts suggest that long-term exposure to blue light could increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in people over 50.
Children and Computer Usage
Millions of children use digital devices for online learning, gaming, and entertainment. Staring at a computer screen can be quite stressful for the eyes, especially for children whose visual system is not fully developed. Further, unlike adults, children may not be able to control their computer usage or recognize the signs of eye fatigue and other symptoms. This makes them more susceptible to digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome.
Q: Why Does Your Child Need To Be Concerned About Blue Light?
- A:
Technology can benefit your child in a variety of ways, but it can also negatively impact their health, especially their eyes. Children tend to spend more time on digital devices than adults, playing games, chatting with friends, and even learning. Unfortunately, they are more vulnerable to the effects of blue light because their eyes are still developing. Prolonged exposure can cause long-term damage to the retina and increase the risk of severe eye conditions that can lead to vision loss.
Our experienced Arlington Heights optometrists can provide a comprehensive eye exam and recommend appropriate measures to reduce eye strain and protect your child’s vision.
Computer Glasses and Blue Light Protection
Computer glasses are specially designed eyewear that can help reduce the strain on the eyes caused by the prolonged use of digital devices. These glasses have lenses that filter out blue light. Some computer glasses also have anti-glare coatings that can further reduce eye strain caused by glare from digital screens.
Single-vision computer glasses are specifically designed to provide clear vision at a given distance for computer use. They have a single prescription throughout the entire lens, making it easier for the eyes to focus on a computer screen.
Progressive computer glasses are designed to provide a gradual transition of lens power from the top to the bottom, allowing for clear vision at various distances. They are particularly useful for individuals who need to look at different screen distances throughout the day, such as computer screens and mobile devices.
Computer glasses for pediatric patients are designed to address digital eye strain and provide blue light protection. They can be prescribed for children who spend significant time on digital devices. Consult with our optometrists in Arlington Heights to determine if computer glasses are suitable for your child's vision needs.
Schedule an Eye Exam in Arlington Heights
If you're experiencing symptoms of digital eye strain or are concerned about your eye health, don't wait to schedule an eye exam. Early detection and treatment of eye conditions can prevent more serious problems down the line. Contact Palermo Eye Care to schedule an appointment. Our experienced team will perform a comprehensive exam to assess your vision and screen for any potential problems related to digital device usage.
Visual Aids and Tools for Digital Eye Strain
There are several tools and techniques that can help reduce digital eye strain. One simple method is to follow the 20-20-20 rule: take a break every 20 minutes, and look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Adjusting the screen brightness, contrast, and font size can also help reduce eye strain. Furthermore, using anti-glare screens or filters, and positioning the screen to minimize glare can also be beneficial. Additionally, computer glasses are helpful in reducing digital eye strain. If you're experiencing symptoms of computer vision syndrome, it's important to schedule an eye exam to identify any underlying vision problems.
Less Screen Time
With the rise of digital devices, tech companies have started to implement measures to help reduce the risk of digital eye strain and computer vision syndrome. Many smartphones now have built-in features that notify users when they have exceeded their daily screen time. However, it's important to remember that these measures are not foolproof, and individuals still need to take responsibility for their own eye health. It is recommended to take regular breaks, do activities that don't involve screens, and use visual aids such as computer glasses or blue light filters.
