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The Programmer’s Guide to Maintaining Healthy Eyes
7 tips to protect your eyes from computer screens
Are you a regular user of computers or smartphones? Does your job require you to use a computer for long hours? Then you are unconsciously putting your vision at risk.
A typical software engineer spends no fewer than eight hours a day in front of a computer, exposing their eyes to multiple digital screens. Spending long hours in front of a computer means limiting the time you engage in outdoor activities, which can adversely affect your physical well-being. The emission of blue light by smart devices can stimulate the brain in adverse ways as well, which hinders your sleep cycle. In simple scientific terms, blue light suppresses the melatonin hormone that regulates the sleep cycle. Another consequence of prolonged computer usage is provoking the possibility of suffering from Computer Vision Syndrome.
Effects of Computer Vision Syndrome
Dry eyes
This is a condition that occurs due to a lack of blinking. Normally, a programmer is so immersed and engaged in their tasks that they even forget to blink! Research shows that people only blink half as often as usual when using their computers or smartphones. The purpose behind blinking is to reproduce the tear layer and keep your eyes lubricated. A lack of blinking means a lack of tears, causing your eyes to dry out. To know if you suffer from dry eyes, you might have to consult your doctor. But if you feel discomfort, irritation, blurry vision, the sensation of having something in your eye, or red eyes, then you might be a victim of dry eyes. If you have prolonged signs or symptoms of dry eyes, then you should consult your doctor.
Eye strain
Another main eye ailment due to excessive exposure to digital screens is eye strain. This is mainly due to the bright light that is emitted from these screens, making your eyes feel uncomfortable and tired. The effect from bright light can be accelerated when your background light is considerably different from that of your screen.
