Experts Provide Tips for Avoiding Computer-linked Vision Trouble

01Computer, or digital, screens are common at work, homes, schools, and stores.

02An estimated 104 million Americans of working age spend more than seven hours a day in front of screens, the American Optometric Association says.

03All that screen time can cause harm.

04Too much screen viewing can lead to dry or watery eyes, unclear vision, and headaches.

05It can also lead to vision conditions including myopia or nearsightedness, especially in children.

06Some technology workers even describe short times of dizziness or vertigo when they look at screens for too long.

07However, exposure to blue light from digital screens has not been shown to cause permanent eye damage, the American Academy of Ophthalmology says.

08One reason for the screen-linked vision problems lies in the eye muscles.

09Staring closely at screens for long amounts of time can cause the muscle used for eye focus to become too tense or tight.

10That muscle's not supposed to stay tight all day long.

11And if it does, it's like picking up a light weight and trying to hold it over your head for hours, American Optometric Association President Stephen Reed told the Associated Press, AP.

12It is not hard to lift, he said.

13But after a while, even though it's not a heavy lift, your body just gets tired, he added.

14The vision problems can affect work, family time, and rest.

15As an optometrist in Mississippi, Reed sees people who are experiencing eye pain, headaches, and unclear vision linked with computer use.

16He suggests that people with such problems get an eye examination and take regular breaks from screen viewing.

17Here are some more tips from eye health professionals to reduce eye strain caused by devices.

18Take a break every 20 minutes from looking at a computer.

19During the break, focus your eyes on something that is about 20 feet away, or 6 meters, for 20 seconds.

20This will help ease tired, tight eye muscles.

21Luckily, eye strain is temporary, said Raj Mathuri, an eye doctor or ophthalmologist at Midwest Eye Institute in Indianapolis, and spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

22The best way to avoid these symptoms is by taking breaks from our screens or near-work activities and using lubricating eye drops if needed, he said.

23People normally close their eyes very briefly, about 18 to 22 times per minute.

24This helps lubricate the eye naturally.

25But when looking at a screen, people might close their eyes only 3 to 7 times per minute, the Cleveland Clinic says.

26That is when use of eye drops might be considered.

27Some people find that using a larger computer screen helps reduce eye tiredness or fatigue.

28You can also increase the image size on your laptop, monitor, or smartphone screen.

29Sitting an arm's length away from your screen and looking down at it also can help reduce eye strain, the American Academy of Ophthalmology says.

30Some products for computer users, such as blue light glasses, are marketed with claims that they will reduce eye strain, improve sleep, and prevent eye disease.

31But several studies have found the glasses are not very effective, says the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

32Even after stepping away from work on larger computers, many adults find themselves using smaller digital devices for reading or watching shows.

33And many children use small digital devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones in school.

34Aisha Melec of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia said that too much screen time or focusing on nearby objects can speed development of nearsightedness, especially in children.

35She added that anyone watching shows should do so on a television instead of a tablet to help avoid eye strain.

36Children should follow the 20-20-20-2 rule, she said.

37The added 2 stands for two hours of play outside every day, which helps with eye development, Malek said.

38The reality is that most children are engaging with screens throughout the day, at school and home.

39It becomes difficult to track the total number of hours, she said.

40Aim for not more than 20 minutes during any one session.

41The blue light that digital screens release can increase a person's alertness, experts say.

42As a result, their use might make it difficult to fall asleep, or sleep well.

43To give your eyes and brain the rest they need, doctors suggest turning off screens one to two hours before going to sleep.

44You can also change the setting on digital devices to lower screen brightness.

45If you are used to watching videos at night, try listening to an audiobook or podcast instead.

46I'm Ana Mateo.

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