Stop dry eyes from computer overuse today

Computer users are concerned about their vision.

Dry eyes caused by computer screens?

The short answer is yes. Dry eyes can be caused by computer over use.  And there are more problems than “only” tired eyes and eye strain.

Blue light

Because blue light is a short wavelength, it has more energy and “flickers” more quickly than longer, weaker wavelengths.

While not superficially noticeable, blue light creates glare, reduces visual contrast, affects vision acuity, and causes general eyestrain, headaches, and fatigue. The damaging effects of blue light are more severe in low light conditions when the pupil is enlarged and takes in more light. Consequently, the retina receives a larger dose of blue light.

Electronic LED- lit screens

Electronic LED-lit screens emit short-wavelength blue light that passes through the eye’s initial filter (the lens) and passes directly to the back of the eye to the retina and macula. Even exposures as short as one hour can cause free radical generation, cell death, and accelerated cell aging.1

Furthermore, our skin is also subject to the damage caused by oxidative stress caused by blue light.

Also, note that fluorescent lighting and LED light bulbs emit blue light.

Blue light contributes to glaucoma, photoreceptor-related conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa, eye cancer, and macular degeneration. Blue light also contributes to dry eye syndrome and damage to the cornea, which is the outer protective layer for the eye.10

Slump posture

In addition to the direct physical damage from blue light emitted from electronic screens, we sometimes adopt the slumped physical position that causes indirect damage to the eyes and body.

Slumping causes neck-muscle tightness, neuro-vascular compression, reduces available oxygen and nutrients, impinges nerve conduction to and from the body and the head, and compresses the lung cavities, preventing full, nourishing breathing.

Can staring at a computer screen cause dry eyes?

The answer is yes. Staring at a computer causes your eyes to blink less often therefore result in dry eyes.

Your tear evaporates faster, causing dry eyes symptoms. The answer to your dry eyes is TheraLife Eye capsules.  Review the dry eyes treatment protocol here.

Can stare at a computer screen cause double vision?

Double vision (diplopia) is one of the symptoms of computer vision syndrome. Nearly 29% of university students with computer eye syndrome complain of double vision.

Diplopia onset is usually sudden and frequently causes fear. It usually lasts only a few moments. However, it is a warning that you need better ergonomics, careful use of electronics, more attention to diet, getting enough quality sleep, and regular exercise. 

Double vision can also be due to more severe causes. If you experience double vision and it doesn’t go away very quickly, you should see a medical professional as soon as possible. It may be an indication of stroke, trauma, other diseases, or a systemic disorder.

Is computer vision syndrome severe?

Computer vision syndrome is caused by repeated stress to the eyes due to overuse, too-close viewing, staring and not blinking enough, and the blue light emitted by LED devices.  Dry eyes come as a result. 

Lack of vision carotenoids that help prevent the development of free radicals makes CVS more severe. By itself, it is not “serious” because a change in lifestyle, diet, nutrition, and ergonomics can resolve the issues.

Vison damage can be permanent

However, the damage from short-wavelength blue light that accompanies the practices that cause computer vision syndrome can be permanent, as discussed above.

How do you get rid of computer vision syndrome?

The immediate answer is to pay attention to computer ergonomics, get plenty of exercises, get quality sleep, and improve your diet. You can do eye exercises, take breaks, and make sure you are blinking while on the computer.

Slower blink rate

Our blink rate unconsciously slows when we are focused on the computer. Slowed blink rate means fast deterioration of the tear film that protects the surface of our eyes against dry eyes.

Long term vision health

For long-term vision health, you must address the issue of exposure to blue light.

• Blue light blocking glasses for inside use and amber (best) or brown colored sunglasses for outdoor use helps to block blue light. There are blue light blocking computer glasses you can use as well.

• Display filters. Most modern computers and cell phones have a built-in blue light filter that you can turn on. For example, in Windows 10, if you right-click (or tap with two fingers) anywhere on the background screen and then select “display settings,” you can reset your night light settings to turn on in the morning and remain on all day, rather than only turning on in the evening.

  Blue light exposure in the evening hinders melatonin, the enzyme that helps you get to sleep, so modern computers have been adding the night settings. You can use them all day for more blue light protection.

• Nutrition. The “vision” carotenoids, lutein, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin, and lycopene are yellow/red pigments that naturally help protect the retina and macula.

  It is well established that getting sufficient amounts of these essential nutrients protects against macular conditions such as macular degeneration  (and are even passed through to the brain to support healthy brain function), cataract, diabetic retinopathy, central serous chorioretinopathy,  uveitis, and retinitis pigmentosa.

• Exercise. More and more research points out that a moderate daily routine, such as a 20 minute (minimum) brisk walk, is essential for good health and good vision.

• Sleep. Getting a good night’s sleep is critical. One of the ways to help your body get to sleep naturally is to get enough exercise, don’t eat too heavily at dinner, and avoid computer/cell phone use for at least an hour before bed.

• Diet. A diet rich in dark leafy greens and colored fruits and vegetables supplies these essential vision carotenoids. It would help if you had one cup (fresh) or 1/2 cup (cooked) dark leafy greens every day, every meal of kale, chard, spinach, etc. You need two servings of colored vegetables or fruit daily.

• Take regular breaks from the computer. Take frequent breaks at least every 1/2 – 1 hour to rest your eyes and do some eye exercises, including palming and stretch.

• Nutrients. Supplement with vision nutrients, especially the carotenoids, if you think you are not regularly getting enough in your diet.

Or, if you wish to focus on the related dry eyes, you can try the TheraLife Eye oral dry eye treatment formula,  

Learn how it works.  

 References:

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2. Ibid. Arjamandi. (2018).
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