If you’re using the computer for at least seven hours a day, it’s quite expected that you’ll experience blurry vision, headaches, watery eyes, dry eyes and tired eyes.
Good news is you’re not going blind. Bad news is you’re suffering from Computer Vision Syndrome.
Also known as Digital Eye Strain, this condition describes a group of eye and vision-related problems caused by prolonged use of the computer and other gadgets.
According to the University of Iowa, our blink rates decrease by a third when we’re reading on computer or gadget screens making our eyes dry. The American Optometric Association suggests that the there’s a weak contrast between characters on a screen than in a book making our eyes work harder and more tired. Furthermore, our eyes experience more discomfort when we stare at screen at a less-than-ideal angle.
To solve this problem, optometrists suggest the use of 20-20-20 rule: Take 20 seconds to stare at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes that you’re using the computer.
Moreover, you have to take a 15 minute break from the screen to give your eyes a rest following two hours of continuous computer use.
You may also opt to wear computer-specific glasses to increase contrast and reduce glare.
Lastly, it’s always a good idea to consult an eye doctor if you’re experiencing problems after a long day of computer use.