Can Too Much Technology Damage Your Eyes?

Technology is a part of our daily lives. About 95 percent of Americans spend two or more hours a day using digital devices and nearly one-third of American adults spend nine or more hours using them.
Modern work and lifestyle changes force us to spend extended hours in close-range activities such as smart phones, computer work, e-books and handheld gaming. The increased demand of these activities on your eyes can leave you with uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptoms. For some people, visual fatigue can also lead to reduction in productivity and ability to concentrate.
As the presence of technology increases, children are also significantly affected by digital fatigue. Many kids today experience digital strain due to their increased exposure to digital screens. According to The National Eye Institute, nearsightedness has increased by 66 percent since the 1970s.
Here are some ways to relieve visual fatigue due to digital exposure:
•     Follow the 20-20-20 rule – taking a 20-second break from the screen every 20 minutes and looking at something 20 feet away.
•     Reduce overhead lighting to eliminate screen glare.
•     Position yourself at arm’s distance away from the screen for proper viewing when at a computer.
Having an annual comprehensive eye exam is the most important thing you can do to prevent or treat computer vision problems. During the exam, be sure to tell your doctor how often you use a computer at work and at home. Measure how far your eyes are from your screen when you sit at your computer and bring this measurement to your exam so your eye doctor can test your eyes at that specific working distance.
Stephen H. Uretsky, MD of the Coastal Jersey Eye Center is a leading board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in comprehensive eye care. The Coastal Jersey Eye Center has offices in Linwood and Cape May Court House. To make an appointment, call us at (609) 927-3373 in Linwood or (609) 465-7926 in Cape May Court House, or visit us online at www.coastaljerseyeye.com.