How Much Time Do You Spend in Front of a Screen?

You probably already know that too much screen time is harmful for you, yet it can be difficult to avoid at times. According to a survey conducted by Acuvue, the average office worker spends approximately 1,700 hours each year in front of a computer screen. That’s about 6.5 hours a day, and doesn’t include screen time outside the office.

Extended computer or digital device use can cause computer vision syndrome, also known as digital eye strain. Symptoms include eye fatigue and discomfort, blurry vision, dry eyes and headaches.

Computer vision syndrome can impact your quality of life as well as your school or office performance. Here are some steps you can take to try to reduce or alleviate these symptoms. If your discomfort persists, it’s recommended to see your optometrist.

1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

We blink about 15 times per minute, but this drops to as low as 5 blinks per minute when using computers and other digital devices. In fact, staring at digital devices dries up the eyes by reducing your blink rate by a third to half, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).

Taking a break every 20-minutes and looking at something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds — the ’20-20-20 rule’ — relaxes your eyes.

1. Keep Your Distance

Your eyes have to work harder to see things that are close up, according to the AAO.

Distance between you and your computer screen can help your eyes relax. Sit 18-25 inches away from your computer screen, about an arm’s length away, with your eyes focused slightly downward toward the screen.

1. Reduce the Glare on Your Screen

The glare on your computer screen isn’t just annoying; it can also irritate and strain your eyes. To reduce glare, consider applying a matte screen filter or placing your computer in a different location.

To learn about other ways to alleviate your computer vision syndrome, contact Professional VisionCare in Professional VisionCare today!

At Professional VisionCare, we put your family’s needs first. Talk to us about how we can help you maintain healthy vision. Call us today: 614-898-9989 or book an appointment online to see one of our Lewis Center eye doctors.

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Q&A

Who is affected by computer vision syndrome?

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), computer vision syndrome affects more than 70% of the approximately 143 million Americans who use a computer on a regular basis (AOA). In fact, more than 90% of Americans say they spend more than 2 hours per day on digital devices. Adults aren’t the only ones that are affected. Despite the fact that computer vision syndrome is most commonly connected with adult computer users, children may be more susceptible to the condition.

Will glasses with anti-reflective coating eliminate glare?

Anti-reflective (AR) coatings can help minimize glare caused by light refracting off your glasses lens. AR coatings for eyeglass lenses, like computer screen filters, are beneficial, but they do not address the fundamental cause of most CVS symptoms.