Whether it's for work, entertainment, or communication, our eyes are constantly exposed to screens. But is staring at a screen all day bad for our eyes? In this article, we will explore the impact of working at a computer on our eye health and discuss practical steps to minimize any potential damage. 

To give a quick answer, if you maintain proper screen hygeine then you should be fine from causing deteriorating eyesight, but the more pressing issue for most people is going to be "Digital Eye Syndrome" or DES.

The main issue actually comes down to tear production, and that it actually ends up being a little slower for tears to dampen the eye after too much time staring at a screen. This eye dryness has become a significantly prominant eye condition, fortunately there are some relatively simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk.

What Is Digital Eye Strain?

Digital Eye Strain (DES), commonly known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), is a condition that encompasses a range of ocular and visual symptoms resulting from extensive computer use. Symptoms can include eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and pain in the neck and shoulders. 

Understanding Computer Eye Strain

Studies have shown that more than 50% of people who work on computers experience eye strain and other visual symptoms. While these symptoms typically subside after completing computer work, they can significantly impact productivity and overall satisfaction throughout the day. To better understand how computers can affect our eyes, let's delve into some important facts.

The Role of Blue Light - One factor that contributes to eye strain is exposure to blue light. Sunlight consists of various colors, including blue light, which has shorter wavelengths and higher energy levels. While blue light is necessary for our overall health, overexposure to it can lead to vision problems and prematurely age the eyes.

Sources of Blue Light - While the sun is the primary source of blue light, there are other sources that we encounter regularly, especially during our computer work. Computer monitors, smartphones, tablets, LED televisions, and even fluorescent and LED light bulbs emit significant amounts of blue light.

Impact of Blue Light on Eyes - Most visible blue light passes through the cornea and lens to reach the retina. Prolonged exposure to blue light from screens can cause digital eye strain, resulting in symptoms such as sore or irritated eyes, difficulty focusing, fatigue, and dryness. Moreover, continued exposure to blue light over time can contribute to damaged retinal cells, potentially leading to vision problems like age-related macular degeneration.

The Effects of Computer Use on Tear Production and Evaporation

Several studies have focused on the impact of long-term computer use on tear production and evaporation, as dry eye symptoms are a common complaint among computer users. One study evaluated individuals who used computers for eight hours a day and found that while tear production, measured through the Schirmer test, did not significantly differ between computer users and the control group, tear break-up time (TBUT) was significantly lower in computer users, particularly in the evening. Tear break up time is the time difference between blinking and the tear appearing to dampen the eye. Of course this being lowered contributes to eye strain.

Preventing Damage from Computer Screens

While it may not be practical to avoid screens altogether, there are several steps you can take to minimize the potential damage to your eyes.

Proper Lighting - Excessive brightness from sunlight or harsh interior lighting can strain your eyes. When using a computer, ensure that the ambient lighting is about half as bright as typical office lighting. Adjust the blinds, curtains, and other light sources to control glare on your screen throughout the day. Position your computer monitor in a way that minimizes direct sunlight or harsh reflections.

Display Settings - Adjusting the display settings of your computer can greatly reduce eye fatigue and strain. Increase the text size and contrast of fonts to make reading easier, especially for long documents. Opt for a black print on a white background, as this combination is generally more comfortable for reading. Additionally, consider reducing the color temperature of your display to decrease the amount of blue light emitted.

Blink More Frequently - Blinking regularly is crucial when working at a computer. Many people tend to blink less frequently while focusing on a screen, leading to dryness and irritation. Blinking helps moisten the eyes and prevent dryness. Make a conscious effort to blink more often, particularly during extended computer sessions. If necessary, use artificial tears to lubricate your eyes and relieve any discomfort.

Take Regular Breaks - Frequent breaks from computer work can greatly alleviate eye strain. Follow the "20-20-20 rule" – every 20 minutes, look away from the screen and focus on an object at least 20 feet away for a minimum of 20 seconds. This practice helps relax the eye muscles and reduces fatigue. Additionally, take longer breaks every two hours to give your eyes a chance to rest and recover.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle - A healthy lifestyle can also contribute to better eye health. Quitting smoking, in particular, can reduce the risk of various eye disorders, including age-related macular degeneration. Additionally, maintaining a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables, while minimizing saturated fats and hydrogenated oils, can promote overall eye health and potentially reduce the risk of eye diseases.

Regular Eye Exams - Regular eye exams are essential, especially as we age and spend more time in front of screens. Comprehensive eye exams can detect any underlying vision problems and allow for early intervention. Individuals with a family history of eye disease or other risk factors should consider more frequent exams. Don't wait until your vision deteriorates; early detection is key to preventing or managing eye conditions.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Recent research has explored the potential benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of dry eye symptoms associated with computer vision syndrome. A study conducted by Buhargava et al. demonstrated the positive effects of oral omega-3 supplementation on alleviating dry eye symptoms and reducing tear evaporation rates. 

Dispelling Common Myths About Working at A Computer and Eye Health

To better understand the impact of working at a computer on your eyes, it's important to dispel some common myths:

1. Myth: Doing eye exercises will delay the need for glasses. Fact: Eye exercises do not improve or preserve vision or reduce the need for glasses. Vision depends on various factors that cannot be significantly altered through exercises.
2. Myth: Reading in dim light will worsen your vision. Fact: Dim lighting does not adversely affect eyesight, but it can cause eye fatigue. Position your reading light to shine directly onto the page, avoiding glare and making reading more comfortable.
3. Myth: Eating carrots is good for the eyes. Fact: While carrots contain vitamin A, which is beneficial for eye health, a balanced diet with a variety of fruits and dark green leafy vegetables is more effective in promoting eye health.
4. Myth: It's best not to wear glasses all the time as it allows your eyes to rest. Fact: If you need glasses for distance or reading, use them. Avoiding wearing glasses can strain your eyes and worsen vision.
5. Myth: Staring at a computer screen all day is bad for the eyes. Fact: Using a computer itself does not harm your eyes. However, prolonged screen time can contribute to eyestrain. Adjust lighting, take regular breaks, and blink frequently to minimize discomfort.

Does Working At A Computer Damage Your Eyes?

While working at a computer for extended periods may not directly damage your eyes, it can cause eye strain and other bothersome symptoms. By understanding the impact of blue light and implementing practical measures to minimize eye strain, you can protect your eye health and maintain optimal vision.