With the rise of remote work and online learning, the amount of time we spend in front of screens has increased dramatically. This can have a significant impact on our eye health, leading to symptoms such as dryness, irritation, and discomfort.
Blue light emitted by digital devices can affect our eye health in several ways, including causing dry eye, eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision. This is because blue light scatters more easily than other colors, making it harder for the eye to focus properly. Additionally, the blue light can disrupt the delicate balance of the tear film, leading to an evaporative dry eye, a type of dry eye caused by excessive tear evaporation.
At Midwest Dry Eye Center, we understand the importance of addressing these issues to ensure your continued comfort and productivity. Our advanced treatments, including LipiFlow and TempSure Radiofrequency, are designed to target the underlying causes of computer-related eye strain and dryness, providing long-lasting relief and improving your overall eye health. Keep reading to learn more about how our innovative treatments can help you combat the negative effects of prolonged screen time.
How Computer Use Can Lead to Dry Eye and Eye Strain
When we use a computer or any digital device for an extended period, we blink less frequently, causing our eyes to dry out. Blinking helps spread the tears across the eye's surface, keeping it moist and lubricated. The less we blink, the more the tears prematurely evaporate, leading to dry eye symptoms such as burning, itching, and redness.
Additionally, computer screens emit blue light, which can cause eye strain and fatigue. Blue light is a high-energy visible (HEV) light that can penetrate deep into the eye, damaging the cells in the retina and causing digital eye strain. Digital eye strain can cause headaches, neck pain, and dry eyes.
Computer Vision Syndrome
Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a condition that affects individuals who spend long hours looking at a computer, smartphone, or other digital screens. Symptoms of CVS can include eye strain, dry eye, headaches, neck and shoulder pain, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing.
The blue light emitted by computer screens can cause eye strain and fatigue, leading to symptoms of CVS. Additionally, the reduced blinking associated with computer use can also contribute to the development of CVS.
Tips to Prevent Computer Vision Syndrome
Fortunately, you can take several easy steps to prevent or reduce the symptoms of CVS.
- Adjust your computer screen: Position your screen so that it is at a comfortable distance from your eyes and the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level.
- Take frequent breaks: Look away from your screen every 20 minutes and focus on an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Use artificial tears: Keep your eyes moist by using artificial tears when needed.
- Blink often: Blinking helps to keep your eyes lubricated, reducing the risk of dry eyes.
- Consider blue light-blocking glasses: Special glasses that block blue light can help reduce eye strain and improve sleep patterns.
Treatment Options For CVS
At Midwest Dry Eye Center, we recognize CVS's impact on an individual's quality of life. That's why we offer a range of treatments, including LipiFlow and TempSure Radiofrequency, to alleviate the symptoms of CVS and improve our patient's overall eye health.
LipiFlow Technology
Midwest Dry Eye Center uses LipiFlow technology to help alleviate dry eye symptoms caused by computer use. LipiFlow is a medical device that uses heat and pressure to unclog the blocked meibomian glands, which produce the oil that keeps the tears from evaporating too quickly. The procedure takes only 12 minutes per eye and is entirely painless.
TempSure Radiofrequency Technology
TempSure Radiofrequency technology is another treatment option we offer at Midwest Dry Eye Center. It is a non-invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to gently heat the skin around the eyes. The heat stimulates collagen production, which can help to tighten the skin around the eyes and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The treatment is painless and takes only 20-30 minutes to complete.
Schedule a Professional Eye Exam at Midwest Dry Eye Center
If you're experiencing dry eye or eye strain, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, from your initial consultation to your personalized treatment plan and follow-up care. Contact Midwest Dry Eye Center today and take the first step towards feeling better.