The use of computer devices is no longer for a certain age as research has shown that 4.72billion active users across the world uses computer devices 7 hours each day as it’s been adopted by both old and young, in both developed and under developed countries and the risk of Digital eye strain (DES) is also bound to increase in all age groups. As it affects all both old and young and every nationality. in this edition of print health we will be discussing about Digital Eye Strain also known or called Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) or Visual Fatigue (VF) this is an eye condition that is caused by long term exposure of the eye to digital devices. DES is a global problem that affects people of all age group, gender and nationality. This is because we now find ourselves in a digital world, where by everyone of every age globally is involved with one or two devices every day both in developed and undeveloped countries. The risk of DES is bound to increase as everyone want to be entertained with their devices, work with it, or make research. As such the risk of DES is bound to increase in every age and globally not even children are left out of the risk of DES.
When it comes to our cooperate world, it’s necessary for us to know about this condition as we spend most of our time on our system in the office and also tend to our phones constantly on this segment on print health we will be discussing the causes which has already been discussed, the symptom, precaution and treatment of DES.
The symptoms of DES includes headaches, neck and shoulder pains, blurred vision, dry eyes, eye strain other symptoms that we have but are not common includes eye discomfort, irritation of the eye, sensitivity to bright lights. We should also note that the symptoms are divided into two categories, those linked with the function of the eyes to focus or accommodate light and the second category that leads with dry eyes, the symptom that is linked to the eyes focusing or accommodating light are felt internally such as headache, blurred vision, difficulty refocusing the eyes and eye strain.
The symptoms linked with the dry eyes tend to be those that are being affected externally, such as dryness of the eyes, irritation and discomfort, having said all of the above I will quickly talk about the precautions. How we can avoid DES the things to look out for, when it comes to the external aspect of taking precautions.
BLINKING
We must have noticed that whenever our gaze is fixed on our devices, the level at which you blink your eyes drop a lot, as you are all busy with that desktop and want to get all details. The importance of blinking is to make the eyes very moist they by avoiding dryness. So yes, while you are busy with that work on your desktop or your phone be sure to blink your eyes very often to prevent it from being extremely dry thereby leading to Digital Eye Strain (DES).
SPACE OR DISTANCE
Let’s be sure to keep our desk at a comfortable angle and a good distance away from the eyes, this can also help to reduce DES depending on the devices that you are using. Digital screen should be placed 15 to 20 degrees below eye level for phone, it should be kept 30cm away from the eyes, for computer screens it should be the minimum distance 50 to 60cm depending on the size of the computer screen the larger the size, the further the distance.
OUTDOOR (CHILDREN)
For children, it is recommended that they spend 2 to 3 hours outdoor every day.
20-20-20 RULE
This is also easy to follow and helps you prevent Digital Eye Strain (DES), this means that you should look away from your screen at intervals, for 20minutes, looking at something else 20 or more feet away from you and do this, that is looking away for around 20 seconds. Also ensure to blink your eyes while doing this, as this will help to replenish the moisture in your eyes and helps you avoid dryness and irritated eyes.
BLUE LIGHT GLASSES
This is a computer glasses that could be worn whenever you want to use your devices, it helps to reduce or control the blue light coming from your screen, thereby reducing the risk of Digital Eye Strain (DES)
TREATMENT
For the treatment of Digital Eye Strain (DES) if you notice you already have the symptoms, please see a qualified optician for treatment. A lense could be recommended or an eye drop that helps to lubricate the eyes.
That all on this edition of print health
