Digital eye strain (DES) is a common condition that affects people who use digital devices for extended periods of time. It is characterized by a variety of symptoms, including eye strain, blurred vision, headaches, and dry eyes.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to DES, including:
Uncorrected refractive errors. If you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, you may be more likely to experience DES. This is because you may have to strain your eyes to focus on a computer screen or other digital device.
A prolonged period of staring at a screen. When you stare at a screen, your eyes have to work harder to focus. This can lead to eye fatigue and strain.
Poor lighting. If the lighting in your workspace is too bright or too dim, it can make it more difficult to focus on a screen. This can also contribute to DES.
Poor posture. If you sit hunched over your computer or other digital device, it can put strain on your neck and shoulders. This can also lead to DES.
Medical conditions. Individuals who have certain medical conditions, such as dry eyes, cataracts, and macular degeneration, are at an increased risk of experiencing digital eye strain (DES). These conditions can impede one’s ability to focus on a screen, consequently leading to eye strain. Furthermore, these conditions can result in reduced blinking frequency, leading to dry eyes. This can aggravate DES by causing further discomfort and irritation, which may initiate a self-perpetuating cycle that can exacerbate the severity of DES.
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent DES by using the 20 20 20 rule:
Take breaks. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something that is at least 20 feet away. This will help your eyes to relax and refocus.
Adjust the lighting. Make sure that the lighting in your workspace is not too bright or too dim. You may also want to use a glare filter on your computer screen.
Get up and move around. Get up and move around every 20-30 minutes. This will help to improve your circulation and reduce muscle tension.
Take care of your eyes. Make sure to get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet. You may also want to use artificial tears or eye drops to keep your eyes moist.
See an eye doctor. If you are experiencing symptoms of DES, you should see an eye doctor. They can help you to determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend treatment options.
Here are some additional tips for preventing digital eye strain:
Position your computer screen so that the top of the screen is at eye level.
Use a larger font size.
Make sure that your computer screen is free of glare.
Take breaks to look away from the screen every 20 minutes.
Blink frequently.
Use artificial tears or eye drops to keep your eyes moist.
Get regular eye exams.
If you have any of these medical conditions, you may be more likely to experience DES. If you are experiencing symptoms of DES, it is important to see an eye doctor. They can help you to determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend treatment options.
Eye vitamins are very important for eye health and can help tame oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is one of the common factors leading to age-related eye diseases in older adults. Factors such as high oxygen consumption, high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and cumulative exposure to high-energy visible light in the eyes, lead to excessive generation of reactive oxygen species, hence triggering apoptosis of ocular cells and giving rise to ophthalmic diseases. Dietary supplements such as carotenoids, anthocyanins, and vitamins have antioxidant properties which may be of benefit in retaining better vision; thus, studies have been conducted to understand the role of dietary supplements in the treatment or prevention of ophthalmic diseases. While high concentration of carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin decrease the risk of developing age-related macular disease, anthocyanins and vitamins play a role in the treatment and prevention of other ophthalmic diseases: saffron extract reduced intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients; bilberry extract prevented impairments in lenses and retina, as well as alleviate symptoms of dry eye disease; high concentration of beta-carotene may reduce the risk of developing cataract. Further studies with clinical measurements are required to investigate the effectiveness of antioxidants on visual function and ophthalmic diseases.
Winter is the worse time for dry eyes. The humidity drops and the cornea can dry out. The eyes become irritated and the vision can blur. Some medication and some types of eye surgery can make dry eyes worse. You can post this blog on social media using #winterdryeyes to spread the word and raise awareness of dry eyes.
This month – the biggest gift-giving month in the world – let’s all participate in Safe Toys and Gifts Month. It’s important to keep safety in mind as we shop for all the little ones in our lives. In addition to safe gift shopping, you can post this blog on social media using #SafeToysAndGiftsMonth to spread the word and raise awareness this December.
Toy-Related Injuries
Approximately 217,000 children are treated at hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries
Riding toys are responsible for the majority of toy injuries among children ages 14 and under
Other causes of toy-related deaths include choking, drowning and suffocation
Holiday Shopping Safety TipsBefore making any purchases for the people on your list this season and throughout the year, make sure to keep safety in mind. We want to keep the holidays a magical time of the year without any trips to the E.R. or emergencies.Follow these 3 important tips to be sure you’re purchasing safe gifts:
Inspect the toys before you buy them. Avoid toys with sharp edges or parts that can be easily pulled off. For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.
Make sure the age and skill level marked on the toy matches the age and skill level of the child you’re buying for.
Check toys for the ATSM (American Society for Testing and Materials) label that proves it’s up to standard.
Other safety tips to keep in mind this holiday season:
Do not give toys with ropes, cords, or that can heat up, and avoid crayons and markers unless they are labeled nontoxic.
Keep high-powered magnet sets away from children. Building and play sets with small magnets should also be kept away from small children.
Keep deflated balloons away from children younger than eight years old as they can cause choke or suffocate on deflated or broken balloons. Also discard broken balloons immediately.
Helmets and safety gear should be worn properly at all times and they should be sized to fit when using riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates.
After gift opening, immediately discard plastic wrapping or other toy packaging before the wrapping and packaging pose safety issues.
Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger siblings.
Halloween is one of America’s favorite holidays. Even though Halloween is traditionally a holiday for children, adults can get in on the fun as well. No matter what your age, there are specific safety precautions that everyone should follow to ensure a happy and safe Halloween. Many Halloween hazards have to do with the eyes, but following some easy rules will keep little trick-or-treaters accident-free.
Masks
Masks can be fun but can be dangerous to wear while walking at night. Some masks have eyeholes that are too small for adequate vision. Take some scissors and widen the eye holes to allow for better peripheral vision. If you or your child will be wearing a mask for evening trick-or-treating or a night Halloween party, lift the mask while walking over unstable ground or dark pavement. Always walk with a flashlight so you can see what lies in front of you. Apply reflective tape to clothing so drivers can see you as you move from house to house.
Makeup
Makeup is often an essential part of a Halloween costume and can be the most important accent. When choosing makeup, select makeup that is hypoallergenic. Test a small area first before applying makeup to the entire face. Keep makeup away from the eyes and leave a margin around the eye area so that you can protect the eyes from products that can sting or burn. After the party or trick-or-treating, remove makeup promptly to prevent irritation.
Accessories
Accessories for Halloween costumes can also be dangerous. You could trip and fall in the dark, and carrying something pointed or sharp could cause injury. Any sword, knife or handheld accessory should be soft, flexible and short. If possible, do not carry anything besides your treat bag (Source: CDC.gov).
A safe Halloween just requires some forethought and careful planning. Enjoy dressing up the whole family, and protect your eyes using some of these easy safety tips!
