According to 2016 AOA Eye-Q survey data, the average American spends seven hours per day using digital devices such as computers, smart phones and tablets. Digital devices emit blue light, which can cause a myriad of health issues when used for long periods of time, including:
- Vision damage
- Sleep problems
- Headaches
- Eyestrain
The AOA’s 2017 campaign focuses primarily on these issues, and the impact blue light has on your overall health. To help celebrate this national observance, you can take various steps to help maintain your own eye health while educating others about digital eyestrain, including:
- Schedule annual comprehensive eye exams to help detect vision changes or eye conditions
- Use proper lighting when reading or working at the computer
- Minimize glare on your computer screen or any other reflective surface
- Adjust your digital device display settings including brightness, text size, contrast and color temperature
- Blink more often to rewet your eyes and prevent symptoms associated with dry eye
- Exercise your eyes by focusing on objects away from your screen
- Take frequent breaks away from your digital device to let your eyes recover and rest
- Modify your workstation so you can maintain proper posture. Poor posture can contribute to computer vision syndrome
- Consider computer eyewear to help reduce the instances of dry eye and eyestrain
Fortunately, if you think you’re eyes have become strained due to over exposure to blue light emitted by digital devices, or if you have any other vision problem that may require LASIK eye surgery, Dr. Christopher J. Walton can help. He will meet with you in person to examine your eyes, conduct a thorough exam and recommend the best treatment options for your unique needs. With years of combined experience, he has the knowledge necessary to help you get the vision restoration results you want to achieve.
If you’re in Alabama and would like to learn more about how Dr. Walton can help you with your vision, give our office a call at 251-341-3385 to schedule your initial consultation and comprehensive eye exam.