The pandemic has fundamentally changed our lives. Remote and hybrid work models are on the rise, keeping us glued to screens for extended periods. This increased screen time has a hidden cost – visual fatigue syndrome.
Eye care specialists are seeing a surge in patients suffering from this condition. Let’s delve into what it is, its symptoms, its consequences, and how to prevent or treat it.
Tech Overload and Visual Fatigue
Recent decades have witnessed a tech revolution. Electronic devices dominate our lives, impacting work, education, and leisure. These advancements offer convenience and efficiency, but they also have downsides.
Extensive screen use, be it computers, phones, tablets, or game consoles, can lead to visual and musculoskeletal problems. Visual fatigue syndrome, also known as computer vision syndrome, is the most common visual disorder associated with excessive close vision tasks.
Studies show a significant correlation between screen time and visual disturbances. An alarming 90% of workers using computers for more than 3 hours daily experience some level of discomfort.
What is Eye Strain Syndrome?
The International Labor Organization recognises visual fatigue syndrome as an occupational hazard. It manifests as a range of symptoms, including:
- Ocular: Itching, burning, dryness, tearing, blinking, and eye pain.
- Visual: Blurred vision, fragmented vision, double vision (diplopia).
- Extraocular: Headache, dizziness, neck discomfort, nausea.
Prolonged near vision work can strain the focusing muscles in your eyes, leading to these symptoms. Modern classrooms are also becoming increasingly digitalised, putting additional strain on children’s developing visual systems.
Symptoms of Eye Strain
Eye strain symptoms can be categorised as ocular, visual, and extra-ocular.
- Ocular: The most frequent complaints include itching, burning, tearing, dryness, and eye pain. These are often linked to decreased blinking frequency when using digital screens. Blinking helps distribute tears across the eye surface, keeping it lubricated. Positioning your screen slightly below eye level can help reduce tear evaporation by minimising blinking.
- Visual: Focusing difficulties and eye coordination problems are common visual symptoms. These can manifest as blurred vision at near or far distances, double vision, or the sensation of words “moving” or “clumping together” while reading. Visual fatigue can also lead to eye strain and discomfort.
Extra-ocular: Problems with visual function (focusing and eye coordination) can affect posture. Common extra-ocular symptoms include headaches, dizziness, neck discomfort, and nausea.
Consequences of Visual Fatigue
The consequences of visual fatigue vary depending on the symptom category. Let’s explore these:
- Ocular: Decreased blinking frequency can lead to dry eye syndrome, where tears fail to lubricate the ocular surface adequately. Tears also contain proteins and enzymes that help fight infection. Dry eye can increase the risk of eye infections.
- Visual: Prolonged visual stress is a known risk factor for myopia (nearsightedness). Studies suggest that exceeding 30 hours of screen time per week can increase the risk of developing or worsening myopia. Additionally, excessive reading and writing may contribute to myopia progression.
It’s crucial to consult an optometrist specialising in binocular vision to determine if myopia is genuine or caused by focusing system stress. Early intervention can help prevent myopia progression.
- Extra-ocular: Studies link visual fatigue and excessive screen time to musculoskeletal disorders, particularly limitations in neck and back mobility.
Preventing and Treating Eye Strain
Prevention is critical to avoiding eye strain symptoms. Here are some essential visual hygiene practices recommended by eye care specialists:
- Maintain good posture: Sit with your feet flat on the floor and back straight.
- Use appropriate furniture: Ensure your chair is adjustable and your work table is slightly tilted (15-20 degrees).
- Position your screen: The top edge of the monitor should be at eye level or slightly lower.
- Optimise lighting: Have adequate ceiling lighting and a desk lamp positioned to avoid glare or shadows.
- Maintain a proper reading distance: Aim for a distance of about an arm’s length (elbow to first knuckle).
- Take breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps relax your focusing muscles.
- Limit screen time for leisure activities: Avoid glare when using TVs and mobiles. Don’t watch them in the dark, too close, or lying down.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Include food rich in Vitamin A (carrots, eggs), vegetables, fruits, and stay hydrated.
- Spend time outdoors: Studies show spending time outdoors can significantly reduce the risk of developing or worsening myopia.
Eye Care Specialists: The Key to Addressing Eye Strain
If you experience symptoms of eye strain, consult an eye care specialist. The experts at Salisbury Optometrists specialise in visual function and vision therapy. They can assess your visual system and recommend solutions, such as:
- Conventional Lenses: Glasses or contacts to correct vision problems.
- Performance Lenses: Specialized lenses designed to reduce visual stress.
- Prisms: Optical devices incorporated into lenses to improve eye teaming.
- Vision Therapy: Exercises to train and strengthen the visual system.
Conclusion: Take Charge of Your Eye Health
Understanding the risks of screen time and implementing preventive measures can minimise eye strain. If you experience symptoms, consult an eye care professional for a personalised evaluation and treatment plan.
Follow our recommendations and contact Salisbury Optometrist for a general ophthalmology consultation. You can schedule an appointment with us and see what is best for you. Remember, protecting your vision is crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive life.