Does spending long hours in front of a computer damage your eyes?
Computers, tablets, and phones have become indispensable parts of daily life. However, prolonged use of these devices can cause some problems for eye health. So, does spending long hours in front of a computer really damage your eyes?
Computer use does not directly increase your prescription, meaning it does not cause myopia or hyperopia. However, staring at a screen for long periods of time can cause eye strain and discomfort. This condition is often referred to as “digital eye strain” (digital eye syndrome).
The symptoms of digital eye strain are as follows:
- Dryness and burning in the eyes,
- Blurred vision,
- Headache,
- Pain and stinging sensation in the eyes,
- Difficulty focusing.
The most important cause of these complaints is the decrease in the number of blinks while looking at the screen. While the average number of blinks per minute is 15-20, this number can drop to 5-7 when looking at a screen. This causes the tear film layer to break down and leads to dryness.
In addition, focusing on close distances for long periods of time can cause temporary blurred vision, especially in children and young people, or eye strain in older people.
What should be done to protect yourself?
- Apply the 20-20-20 rule:
- Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Increase the frequency of blinking.
- The distance between the screen and the eyes should be 50–70 cm.
- Use screen filters that reduce light reflection.
In conclusion, computers do not “damage” the eyes, but prolonged use can negatively affect eye health. It is possible to protect against these effects with simple precautions.