Preserving Your Eyesight in the Age of Screens
We spend more time using devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets. With that increased screen use comes risks for our eyesight. When we use screens, our eyes have to work harder since they focus intensely on a small area, often for extended periods.
Our Santamaria Eye Center team is here to provide you with the information you need to take care of your eyes. Understanding how to preserve comfortable eyesight with increased screen use is crucial in our increasingly digital world.
What Are the Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain?
Increased screen use can result in digital eye strain, also called computer vision syndrome. Increased headaches, blurry vision, and dry eye disease are common side effects associated with digital eye strain.
How Much Time Does the Average Person Spend on Screens?
The average American spends over 7 hours on screens every day. Almost 60% of this screen time is spent on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Some data suggests this trend is rising.
How Do I Relax My Eye Muscles?
We recommend using the 20-20-20 rule to give your eye muscles a break when using screens all day. The 20-20-20 rule allows your eyes to take a break and completely relax. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break from screens by looking at an object 20 feet away.
Can Glasses Fix Digital Eye Strain?
Some lenses are designed with a coating to help minimize glare and increase comfort from using screens. These lenses can also magnify text on screens to reduce eye strain and make it easier to look at screens for extended periods.
Does Eye Strain Cause Permanent Damage?
Digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome, isn’t permanent. By actively taking steps to reduce eye strain, like using the 20-20-20 rule or computer vision lenses, you can see comfortably and reduce your risks of headaches, pain, and dry eye disease.
How Do Screens Cause Dry Eye?
Your eye surface needs tear film to stay hydrated and healthy. When you stare at a screen for too long, you don’t blink as much as you need to, which can lead to dry eye. As your eyes strain to focus on screens, you may also risk dirt, dust, and debris building up on your eye surface. This buildup could contribute to dry eye by reducing your tears’ effectiveness.
Do Eyedrops Help With Eye Strain?
Eye drops may help alleviate symptoms associated with digital eye strain, like dry eye, itchiness, and irritation. However, changing habits like reducing screen time or taking breaks from screens can be more effective at alleviating eye strain in the long run.
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CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Dr. Santamaria was very patient and comforting during the entire process. I was reassured multiple times that my eyes were healthy enough for LASIK. During the procedure, he and his assistant made sure I was comfortable and made the process painless. I have had no issues since the surgery and wouldn't think twice about recommending Dr. Santamaria!
Suvojit C.
Surgery was amazing. Colors are bright and vivid. Everything is sharp. White is white, not off-white. Could not see like this with glasses I have worn for 67 years. Thank you, Dr. Santamaria and God bless you.
Arne I.
My eyes were getting worse every year. Being a diabetic, I was even more afraid. Even with the new glasses, I couldn't see signs or drive-up menus. I decided: ``The heck with these vision center places. I'm going for a good check up to Dr. Santamaria``. I have Medicare now, but thought he was only a surgeon. Praise God - it was the best move I made. He and his wonderful staff diagnosed a cataract in each eye. Why wasn't it seen before? I went every year for a check up. I now see better than I EVER did. I don't need my glasses. Driving is wonderful. I can read the scores on TV - It's a whole new world. I am so happy and so grateful to Dr. Santamaria and his staff! On top of their expertise, his staff is pleasant, knowledgeable and will answer any questions and concerns! Thank you again.
Victoria S.
For the first time in 71 years I am now able to see without glasses thanks to the doctors and staff of the Santamaria Eye Center. They explained every aspect of the operation step by step, and made sure I understood. I felt relaxed and confident. I had 2 operations and each time I received the same excellent care by the most skilled, efficient doctors and staff possible. I would recommend the Santamaria Eye Center to anyone wanting the best Eye Care by the best team of doctors and staff available today. Thank you.