How can I protect my eyes from computer screens?
July 14, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Tobias Helbig
Dear ophthalmologist,
My name is Gerald Bergmann and I work several hours a day in front of a computer screen. Lately, I have noticed that my eyes are becoming tired and irritated more often. I am concerned about my eye health and wonder how I can protect my eyes from the harmful effects of constant screen use.
Currently, I work in an office where I stare at my computer screen all day. My eyes feel dry and irritated, sometimes I also experience blurred vision or headaches. I feel like my eyesight has worsened and I would like to find out what I can do to protect my eyes.
I have already tried taking regular breaks and relaxing my eyes in between, but it doesn't seem to be enough. I wonder if there are specific exercises I can do to strengthen and relieve my eyes. Or perhaps there are special screen glasses that could help me?
I would like to know what measures I can take to protect my eyes from the harmful effects of prolonged screen use. Are there specific eye drops or special screen glasses that I should use? Should I reduce my screen time or are there other solutions I should consider?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could give me some tips and advice on how to protect my eyes from the strains of computer screens.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Gerald Bergmann
Dear Gerald Bergmann,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an ophthalmologist. It is very understandable that you are concerned about your eye health, especially given your daily work in front of a computer screen. The symptoms you describe, such as dry and irritated eyes, blurred vision, and headaches, are typical of what is known as Computer Vision Syndrome, which can be caused by prolonged use of screens.
It is important to take measures to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of constant screen use. Firstly, it is good that you have already tried taking regular breaks and relaxing your eyes in between. It is important to take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and look into the distance to relax your eye muscles.
In addition to regular breaks, you can also do specific eye exercises to strengthen and relieve your eyes. These include blinking, focusing on different objects at different distances, and circling your eyes clockwise and counterclockwise. These exercises can help relax the eye muscles and improve blood flow to the eyes.
Furthermore, special screen glasses, also known as computer glasses or blue light filter glasses, can help protect your eyes from the harmful effects of blue light emitted by screens. These glasses filter out blue light, reducing the strain on your eyes. So, it might be worthwhile to consider wearing such glasses to relieve your eyes.
If your eyes continue to feel dry and irritated, special eye drops for moisturizing the eyes could be a helpful option. These drops can help support natural tear production and keep your eyes moist.
It may also be advisable to reduce your screen time, if possible. Try to consciously avoid screens after work and give your eyes the much-needed rest they deserve.
I hope these tips and advice help you protect your eyes from the strains of computer screens. If your symptoms persist or worsen, I recommend scheduling an appointment with an ophthalmologist in your area for a thorough eye examination.
Thank you again for your inquiry and all the best for your eye health.
Best regards,
Tobias Helbig
