{"id":17992,"date":"2021-10-22T08:25:50","date_gmt":"2021-10-22T08:25:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=17992"},"modified":"2022-02-13T15:56:10","modified_gmt":"2022-02-13T15:56:10","slug":"how-do-computers-cause-dry-eyes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/guide-to-eye-conditions\/guide-to-blurry-vision-and-headaches\/how-do-computers-cause-dry-eyes\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Computers Cause Dry Eyes?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over 60% of adults use a digital device for at least 5 hours a day\u2014 a major cause of dry eyes.<\/b><\/h2>\n

If you’re like most people, you spend much of your day staring at a computer, tablet, or smartphone both at work and on your own time.<\/p>\n

Excessive screen time can cause eye dryness and discomfort, and a condition called <\/b>computer vision syndrome, also known as digital eye strain.<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

What is computer vision syndrome (CVS)?<\/b><\/h2>\n

More than ever before, our eyes are being challenged to focus on very close objects for longer periods of time.<\/p>\n

Many of us spend numerous hours a day looking at images and details on digital screens, whether on a cell phone or a laptop. Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a negative outcome of this behavior.<\/p>\n

Computer vision syndrome can affect your office performance and productivity<\/b>.<\/p>\n

People who use computers often may have significantly more discomfort if they already have an eye issue, such as mild dry eyes<\/a> or allergies<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How do computers cause dry eyes?<\/b><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s nearly impossible to avoid computers, which is why we need to understand how dry eyes can be influenced by using computers.<\/p>\n

1. Lower blink rate<\/b><\/h3>\n

According to a study published by <\/b>BMJ Open Ophthalmology<\/i><\/b> (2018) people blink more than 50% less when using a computer.<\/b><\/p>\n

On average, people blink only 5 times per minute when looking at a screen, but when they usually blink 10-12 times per minute while doing other daily activities.<\/p>\n

Blinking allows tears from our glands to spread across our eye\u2019s surface. Tears are essential for keeping our eyes moist and healthy, so blinking less frequently will cause the eyes to feel dry and irritated.<\/p>\n

2. Lack of hydration<\/b><\/h3>\n

It can take hours to compose an essay or engage in intense online gaming. When we’re focused on a task, it’s easy to overlook some of the other signals our bodies send us.<\/p>\n

One of those things is drinking and hydration.<\/p>\n

According to medical professionals, people should drink between 2-3 liters of water every day, depending on their body size.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Drink plenty of water while surfing the web to avoid exacerbating dry eye symptoms.<\/p>\n

SEE RELATED:<\/b> When is Blurred Vision a Medical Emergency?<\/a><\/p>\n

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near<\/b><\/a> you who can diagnose and treat your dry eye.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\t

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