We live in a technology driven world where demands placed upon our eyes are growing by leaps and bounds.
We depend upon a TV, computer, iPad, or smart phone at school, at work and to socialize with family and friends. The importance of seeing clearly and comfortably at a range of approximately 1-3 feet is more critical than ever. This significance will continue to grow in the future as more and more of life’s tasks and pleasures are conducted using technology.
Visual Fatigue
Extended periods of time working on a computer, watching videos on YouTube, posting on facebook, searching on Google, tweeting on Twitter, scrolling through Instagram, or texting a friend may lead to visual fatigue.
Visual fatigue is typically caused by focusing on objects within a 1-3 feet range for extended periods of time. Symptoms of visual fatigue may include:
• Tired Eyes
• Eyestrain
• Blurred Vision
• Dry Eyes
• Burning Eyes
• Headaches
• Neck Pain
• Back Pain
More and more people are suffering from visual fatigue due to the demands of their technology driven world, which can lead to reduced productivity and the inability to concentrate.
Remember to Take Breaks
If you are working at a desk all day, whether it is on the computer full time or staring at paperwork, it is important to give your eyes a break. The easy to remember 20-20-20 rule should be a regular part of your day. This simply means that every 20 minutes, you should take a 20 second break and look at something 20 feet away.
Try to stand up and walk around at least every hour. Take regular breaks from your computer screen by leaning back and closing your eyes for a few moments. Another important thing to remember is blinking. Many people blink less frequently when staring at a computer screen; you need to remember to blink in order to spread the tears across the surface of your eyes, which prevents dryness from occurring.
Computer Glasses
Eyewear designed specifically for technology use is evolving. Computer glasses differ from regular eye glasses in that they are made for the sole purpose of reducing eye strain and fatigue associated with technology.
There are several different lenses that are offered with computer glasses:
1. Single vision computer glasses reduce the risk of blurred vision, eye strain, and bad posture. These types of lenses are effective for all ages.
2. Occupational progressive lenses are a multifocal lens that corrects near, intermediate, and distance vision. These lenses give a larger, more comfortable view of the computer, but they are not recommended for distance tasks.
3. Occupational bifocal and trifocal lenses offer a higher zone for intermediate and near vision rather than regular bifocal and trifocal lenses.
The position of the intermediate and near vision zones can be customized to your specific computer needs.
Glare reduction, an increase in contrast, and the ability to look at a screen for longer periods of time are benefits that come with computer glasses. So are reducing or eliminating eye strain, blurred vision, computer-related headaches, and neck and back strain.
Contact Lenses and Technology
Many contact lens wearers experience dryness and discomfort with prolonged near work and computer use, however, many of these patients are not ready to give up their contact lenses for computer glasses.
Options to improve visual fatigue symptoms in contact lenses wearers also exist:
1. Daily-replacement contact lenses provide improved and longer lasting comfort. They are also one of the healthiest options for our eyes.
2. High quality silicone hydrogel lenses may reduce or even eliminate end-of-the-day discomfort due to their improved hydration and oxygen permeability.
3. Multifocal contact lenses allow patients to experience all ranges of vision, from distance to near, without having to wear reading glasses over top.
Discuss Technology Demands with Your Eye Doctor
A conversation with your eye doctor can help you to avoid or reduce the effects of visual fatigue that goes along with the demands of today’s technology.
For example, tell your eye doctor that you spend 8 hours a day working at a computer with a 15” monitor, or that you spend the majority of your day using an iPad.
With this knowledge, your eye doctor can offer valuable guidance on preparing your environment for optimal vision, such as proper lighting and positioning of your electronics. In addition, your eye doctor can recommend and prescribe special lenses that match the demands of your technology driven lifestyle.
Technology greatly improves our productivity and ability to communicate with others. Make sure you are equipping yourself with the proper eyewear to keep up with the demands of your digital life and to prevent vision problems.
To learn more about eyewear specifically designed for technology use, please call us at 419-538-6273 or send us a message from our website at any time.
We depend upon a TV, computer, iPad, or smart phone at school, at work and to socialize with family and friends. The importance of seeing clearly and comfortably at a range of approximately 1-3 feet is more critical than ever. This significance will continue to grow in the future as more and more of life’s tasks and pleasures are conducted using technology.
Visual Fatigue
Extended periods of time working on a computer, watching videos on YouTube, posting on facebook, searching on Google, tweeting on Twitter, scrolling through Instagram, or texting a friend may lead to visual fatigue.
Visual fatigue is typically caused by focusing on objects within a 1-3 feet range for extended periods of time. Symptoms of visual fatigue may include:
• Tired Eyes
• Eyestrain
• Blurred Vision
• Dry Eyes
• Burning Eyes
• Headaches
• Neck Pain
• Back Pain
More and more people are suffering from visual fatigue due to the demands of their technology driven world, which can lead to reduced productivity and the inability to concentrate.
Remember to Take Breaks
If you are working at a desk all day, whether it is on the computer full time or staring at paperwork, it is important to give your eyes a break. The easy to remember 20-20-20 rule should be a regular part of your day. This simply means that every 20 minutes, you should take a 20 second break and look at something 20 feet away.
Try to stand up and walk around at least every hour. Take regular breaks from your computer screen by leaning back and closing your eyes for a few moments. Another important thing to remember is blinking. Many people blink less frequently when staring at a computer screen; you need to remember to blink in order to spread the tears across the surface of your eyes, which prevents dryness from occurring.
Computer Glasses
Eyewear designed specifically for technology use is evolving. Computer glasses differ from regular eye glasses in that they are made for the sole purpose of reducing eye strain and fatigue associated with technology.
There are several different lenses that are offered with computer glasses:
1. Single vision computer glasses reduce the risk of blurred vision, eye strain, and bad posture. These types of lenses are effective for all ages.
2. Occupational progressive lenses are a multifocal lens that corrects near, intermediate, and distance vision. These lenses give a larger, more comfortable view of the computer, but they are not recommended for distance tasks.
3. Occupational bifocal and trifocal lenses offer a higher zone for intermediate and near vision rather than regular bifocal and trifocal lenses.
The position of the intermediate and near vision zones can be customized to your specific computer needs.
Glare reduction, an increase in contrast, and the ability to look at a screen for longer periods of time are benefits that come with computer glasses. So are reducing or eliminating eye strain, blurred vision, computer-related headaches, and neck and back strain.
Contact Lenses and Technology
Many contact lens wearers experience dryness and discomfort with prolonged near work and computer use, however, many of these patients are not ready to give up their contact lenses for computer glasses.
Options to improve visual fatigue symptoms in contact lenses wearers also exist:
1. Daily-replacement contact lenses provide improved and longer lasting comfort. They are also one of the healthiest options for our eyes.
2. High quality silicone hydrogel lenses may reduce or even eliminate end-of-the-day discomfort due to their improved hydration and oxygen permeability.
3. Multifocal contact lenses allow patients to experience all ranges of vision, from distance to near, without having to wear reading glasses over top.
Discuss Technology Demands with Your Eye Doctor
A conversation with your eye doctor can help you to avoid or reduce the effects of visual fatigue that goes along with the demands of today’s technology.
For example, tell your eye doctor that you spend 8 hours a day working at a computer with a 15” monitor, or that you spend the majority of your day using an iPad.
With this knowledge, your eye doctor can offer valuable guidance on preparing your environment for optimal vision, such as proper lighting and positioning of your electronics. In addition, your eye doctor can recommend and prescribe special lenses that match the demands of your technology driven lifestyle.
Technology greatly improves our productivity and ability to communicate with others. Make sure you are equipping yourself with the proper eyewear to keep up with the demands of your digital life and to prevent vision problems.
To learn more about eyewear specifically designed for technology use, please call us at 419-538-6273 or send us a message from our website at any time.
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