According to The Vision Council, almost 90% of Americans spend more than two hours per day using a digital device. This constant use of technology can have serious effects on our eyes and health. Southwest Vision Center explains these effects further.

Eye Health

The use of digital devices, including mobile phones and computers, has led to digital eye strain. According to the latest Eye Strain Report from The Vision Council, 77% of the participants who have eyestrain use two or more devices at the same time.

Eye strain makes you feel exhausted and have difficulty focusing on tasks. Your trusted optometrist in Edwardsburg, MI, from Southwest Vision Center recommends the use of prescription glasses to prevent digital eye strain.

Productivity

Multitasking, or using more than one device at a time, can lead to eye strain and decreased productivity. For example, half of teens in the 2016 Digital Eye Strain Report stated that they use social media or watch TV while doing homework. Of the participants in the survey, 60% even admitted to texting while trying to study. Multitasking makes it difficult to organize your thoughts, which leads to poor work quality and efficiency.

Posture

Whenever in front of a computer, we tend to lean toward the screen or even slouched. Any eye doctor in Edwardsburg, MI, will tell that this puts strain on your neck and back. Almost half of the survey participants who used three devices simultaneously also experienced these symptoms.

Some studies suggest that when you look at your phone, you tilt your head forward 60°, you also put 60 pounds of pressure on your neck. This phenomenon is called “text neck.”

Sleep Habits

More than 75% of Americans look at their phones before going to bed. This increases risk of digital eye strain and exposure to blue light, which can foster brain activity. It can also disrupt sleep patterns. In fact, a study from the University of Texas at Austin found that the average college student loses up to 46 minutes of sleep each night because they are checking messages and answering calls while in bed.

Technology has indeed made our lives easier, but it also has negatives effects on some aspects of our lives. We recommend that you maintain proper posture while working or texting and minimizing use of devices before going to sleep. It is also best if you focus on one task instead of finishing several tasks in one go.

As for eye strain, we recommend a comprehensive eye exam from our Southwest Vision Center clinic. After assessing the health of your eyes, we can determine whether you need contact lenses or eyeglasses in Three Rivers, MI.

Contact us today to learn how we can ease digital eye strain. For Edwardsburg patients, you can call us at (269) 414-4492. For patients in Three Rivers, you can reach us at (269) 273-8588.