With our daily exposure to screens, increasing to over six hours a day, we are at risk for developing digitally induced ailments such as Screen Fatigue. Due to extended time in front of screens be it at work desks, smartphones, tablets or television, our bodies are taking the hit and becoming fatigued. While this may seem like a novel health condition, the impact has to potential to effect your day-to-day lives both short and long termed. Some symptoms of Screen Fatigue include impaired vision, strained eye muscles, inability to focus vision, neck and shoulder pain, poor posture, and painful headaches. If this condition is left untreated, symptoms will not improve and may likely get worse. Research also shows that too much blue-light exposure from various screens can interfere with the body’s sleep patterns. Here are some suggestions to prevent Screen Fatigue:
· Ensure your room lighting is about the same or slightly dimmer than your screen.
· Organize your workstation for comfort.
· Make your text size bigger.
· Blink often– this helps lubricate the eyes.
· Get regular eye exams.
· Stay Hydrated-eye tissue is predominately water. If you’re dehydrated, your eyes will be extra dry as well.
· Take a break of about 15 minutes after every 2 hours on a device.
If you change how you use your smartphones, computers, tablets and other screen devices, you can keep from straining your eyes. Talk with your healthcare provider about your daily computer use and vision needs too.
TOVA Primary Specialty Care
www.tovacommunityhealth.org
302-429-5870 ext. 120
