Digital Eyestrain Reduces Productivity And Worsens Existing Eye Problems

As mentioned above, individuals who already have some sort of eye problem are typically more affected by digital eyestrain. In a series of experiments, researchers examined the effect of uncorrected astigmatism while reading material from a computer screen. In both studies the authors observed that the presence of 0.50–1.00D of uncorrected astigmatism produced a significant increase in symptoms.

In addition to the visual discomfort experienced, symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome may also have a significant economic impact, namely because they can increase the number of errors and individuals need to do more frequent breaks, thus reducing their productivity. Researchers estimated that provision of an appropriate refractive correction alone could induce an increase of at least 2.5% in productivity, which would also be equally beneficial for employers and employees.

Disrupted night sleep is known to cause the loss of work productivity. It is also associated with various health problems ranging from relatively mild (such as headaches and chronic fatigue) to much more severe (for example, increased risk of cancers) in the long term.

What can be done to reduce damage?

To help prevent or lessen digital eyestrain, there are some recommendations that must be carefully considered by those who work regularly with digital devices:

1. Get a routine, comprehensive eye exam, at least once a year
2. Use proper lighting, ideally at least half as bright as the one usually found in offices
3. Minimize glare, both from the surrounding environment and from the computer screen. For those that use glasses, an anti-reflective coating of the lenses is advised
4. If possible, choose LCD screens, as they tend to be easier on the eyes
5. Adjust the settings of the computer screen, so that it presents with the most comfortable brightness, text font and size and color temperature
6. Blink more often, to prevent eye dryness
7. Take frequent breaks
8. Adjust the workplace, so that it is more comfortable and less demanding on the body

See Also: Eye Problems You Are Very Likely To Face When You Age

The use of electronic devices to view small type for many hours, frequently at close working distances, has become commonplace in modern society in patients of all ages. Many individuals use multiple devices such as a desktop and laptop computer as well as one or more hand-held devices. Digital eye strain is not a permanent condition, but it can have a strong and lasting effect on individuals who rely on electronic technology for education, social interaction and, most commonly, work. Learning how to interact safely with these technologies and, most importantly, developing healthy eye habits is paramount.