
As technology advances, people of all ages
spend more and more time glued to their digital screens.
Some can spend up to 9 hours of their day working
and / or playing on their screens. This eventually causes their eyes to become
exhausted from such long hours of exposure and may cause a condition known as
digital fatigue.
What is digital fatigue?
This is an eye and vision related problem
that is caused by the extensive use of common digital devices such as
computers, TVs, e-readers, and tablets. This eventually leads to fatigue or
blurred vision, dryness, eye irritation and more.
Effects of digital fatigue
The eyes contain the strongest muscles in
the body. However, if you subject them to too much work by sitting in front of
a TV or computer, they can become strained and tired. Lifestyle changes,
coupled with modern ways of working, forces people to spend extended hours in
close range activities engaged with a screen.
Some knock on effects include:
- Reduction in productivity
Digital fatigue may cause your body to
suffer eyestrain, neck, shoulder and back pain. You will not be able to work to
the best of your ability with an aching body.
Spending too much time looking at your
digital devices may cause eye fatigue and headaches. These conditions may
result in the reduction of concentration.
Most digital devices emit harmful
blue-violet light that damages eyesight in the end. You may start experiencing
eye fatigue, blurry vision, and dry eyes.
Digital fatigue may cause you headaches.
These headaches can be accompanied by associated symptoms such as nausea and
sensitivity to light. You may also experience flashing dots, wavy lines, and
temporary blindness due to this migraine.
What can be done about digital fatigue?
1. Eyewear
There are different types of eyewear with
lenses that help reduce digital fatigue. These lenses can be incorporated into
any pair of glasses. Those already wearing glasses should also consider getting
a current prescription that includes the unique visual demands when using a
digital screen.
2. Annual eye exam
Getting regular eye care will help prevent
or reduce the development of digital fatigue.
3. Take breaks from using digital devices
Ensure that you do not get too close to a
screen or spend too many hours behind one. Rest your eyes after every 2 hours
of continuous digital screen use, for at least 15 minutes.
4. Have a digital holiday
Try to set aside blocks of
time like the weekend when you
can get away from your screens completely. If going on holiday, leave the
screens at home and use your phone as a phone and not a communications centre
Summary
The extent to which you will experience
digital fatigue will depend on how much time you spend looking into your
digital screen. Ensure that you visit your health professional as soon as you
start experiencing the symptoms outlined above. Otherwise, if you do not use
them, they might worsen with extended digital screen use.
And remember, Mayfair Cares.
https://www.thevisioncouncil.org/content/digital-eye-strain/teens
http://thinkaboutyoureyes.com/articles/eye-problems-diseases/digital-fatigue
https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/protecting-your-vision/computer-vision-syndrome?sso=y