A recently released report by The Vision Council explains the long term effects the digital world may be having on our eyes, from eye fatigue, blurred vision and headaches, it also reveals the possible link to long term vision issues, cataracts and AMD (age related degeneration). You can protect your vision from over exposure from digital devices by making an appointment with Lake Nona Eye Care.
An excerpt from Eye Overexposed: The Digital Device Dilemma, reveals some alarming facts.
We awake to the glow of a phone acting as an alarm clock. We work for hours on our computer screens, perhaps stopping to look at something on another screen—a television, a tablet, a smartphone. The pattern is repeated again and again as our days are filled with electronic images of news reports, online shopping, video games, movies, emails and texts….
This constant exposure to technology is a shock to our eyes. For centuries, we have evolved our sight by viewing a wide variety of objects outside from varying distances. A combination of factors including the proximity at which we view digital screens, the frequency and length of time of this use, physical responses to screen habits, and exposure to high-energy visible (HEV) or blue light, have conspired to cause visual discomfort in 65 percent of Americans. This stress and strain, combined with other physical discomforts, is called digital eye strain.
Digital eye strain is characterized by dry, irritated eyes, blurred vision and neck and back pain. It is not uncommon to start experiencing this discomfort after spending two or more hours staring at a device, or more realistically, multiple devices. In fact, on average, 75 percent of people who use two or more devices simultaneously report experiencing symptoms of digital eye strain compared to only 53 percent of people who use just one device at a time.
While symptoms of digital eye strain, such as blurred vision and eye fatigue, can be irritating and may reduce productivity, the effects are generally temporary. But preliminary research points to a potential long-term hazard from the effects of too much screen time: consistent exposure to HEV, or blue light, may be linked to long-term vision issues such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
Innovative eyewear and lens technology can shield eyes from the side effects of excessive use of technology. Designed to alleviate strain, eliminate glare, and filter out harmful blue light, computer eyewear is one option to protect vision while using technology responsibly. During a visit to an eye-care provider, an individual should plan to discuss technology use habits and the issue of digital eye strain, the impact of blue light penetration on vision, and the various optical options and/or lifestyle changes to protect against future discomfort.
Affordable Vision Care
Many Orlando residence don’t realize how much stress and damage they put on our eyes every day. Taking care of your eyes now will pay off with better vision for years to come. Make regular eye exams part routine to ensure you will enjoy better eyesight in the future.
Don’t put if off any longer, schedule your comprehensive eye exam today with Lake Nona Eye Care or call us at 407-658-9990