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Do Computers Really Cause Eye Damage?

February 3rd, 2019

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Do Computers Really Cause Eye Damage? | Shop Focus

Whether you work in an industry or if you’re retired, it’s hard to avoid spending hours at a time on a computer. In fact, 80 percent of Americans have some type of computer in their home. [1] Computers are incorporated into most aspects of our lives, and they tend to streamline our processes and communication.

Even though computers are convenient, there’s talk about whether or not computers can cause eye damage. Whether you’re on a computer for 10 minutes or 10 hours every day, there is much to learn about the effects of staring at a computer screen — as well as what you can do to prevent straining to your eyes.

Facts About Computers and Eye Damage Even though there are headlines about computers causing eye damage, in reality, computers aren’t as harmful as one might think.

“Staring at your computer screen, smartphone or other digital devices for long periods won’t cause permanent eye damage.” [2]

However, there are temporary effects that arise from staring at a digital screen.

Studies show “we blink half to a third less often while using computers and other digital screen devices, whether for work or play.”

[2] Since the eye doesn’t naturally blink as much due to looking at a screen, this can cause dry, tired eyes and even trigger migraines. [3]

There’s a name for this kind of temporary effect: computer vision syndrome, also known as digital eye strain. [4] This type of eye strain occurs when you’ve looked at a blue light screen for a long amount of time.

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The effect may not be permanent, but it could get worse and linger until you start incorporating better eye care habits. The discomfort and pain could also spread throughout your body, including your neck and shoulders. [4] Looking at blue light late at night could also interfere with your sleep, as this light source tends to wake up your eyes [5].

If you have a vision impairment such as farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia, these could also encourage digital discomfort symptoms. [4]

How to Prevent Digital Eye Strain Avoiding long periods of screen use is difficult, especially if it’s part of your daily job or routine. But there are ways to adjust your computer habits to ensure you aren’t straining your eyes and causing discomfort.

The American Optometric Association recommends the 20-20-20 rule. Within this rule, you’re encouraged to take a break every 20 minutes for 20 seconds by looking at something 20 feet away. [6] If you start making the 20-20-20 rule a daily habit, you could avoid the symptoms of digital eye strain.

More tips for preventing digital eye strain include: -Limiting your use of a computer or other blue light device -Turning on a light when you’re using your computer -Enlarging your computer’s font size -Taking the initiative to blink more

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Do Computers Really Cause Eye Damage? | Shop Focus

Finally, another way to reduce eye strain is by using lubricating eye drops to reduce dryness. A daily eye care supplement for dry eyes could also promote moisture in your eyes.

Take care of your eyes.

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References: [1] http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/05/25/a-third-of-americans-live-in-a-household-with-three-or-more-smartphones/ [2] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/computer-usage [3] https://migraine.com/migraine-triggers/ [4] https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/protecting-your-vision/computer-vision-syndrome [5] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/block-blue-light-to-sleep-better [6] https://www.aoa.org/documents/infographics/SYVM2016Infographics.pdf [7] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eyestrain/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372403

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Citations ? These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. † The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) originates from the National Eye Institute, a research group of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). AREDS (2001) determined a nutritional supplement containing a specific formulation can reduce the risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration. AREDS2 (2006) determined an improved formula. (See: For the Public: What the AREDS Means for You. 2013.)2 ‡ Dietary supplements may augment the nutrients found in a healthy diet. Take with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. * Actilease® beadlet technology, used in FloraGlo® Lutein and OPTISHARP® Zeaxanthin, protects micronutrients within a food starch matrix, preventing tableting losses and interactions with other compounds. This leads to better dissolution, making the ingredients more available for absorption when they reach the stomach. FloraGLO° is a registered trademark of Kemin Industries, Inc. Actilease® and OPTISHARP® are registered trademarks of DSM Nutritional Products. § EyeGiene® is a registered trademark and Insta-Warmth System™ is a trademark of BJL Medical, LLC. ¤ Preservision® and Ocuvite® are registered trademarks of Bausch & Lomb Inc. ¥ ICAPS® is a registered trademark of Alcon, Inc. ^ MacuHealth® is a registered trademark of MacuHealth LLC. < OCuSOFT® and Lid Scrub® are registered trademarks of OCuSOFT, Inc. > Systane® is a registered trademark of Novartis AG. ? Neutrogena® is a registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson.

1. AREDS2 Research Group. “Lutein/Zeaxanthin and Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial.” JAMA, 309(19), 2005-2015.

2. Huxtable, R. J. (1992, January). Physiological actions of taurine. Physiological Reviews, 72(1), 101-163.

3. SanGiovanni JP, C. E. (2005, Jan). The role of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in health and disease of the retina. Prog Retin Eye Res., 24(1), 87-138. https://shopfocuslabs.com/do-computers-really-cause-eye-damage/

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4.4/25/2019 Alexander, Larry J. (2011, January). Is There a Difference Between Re-esterified Triglyceride Ethyl Ester

5. Barrie, S., Wright, J., Pizzorno, J., Kutter, E., & Barron, P. (1987). Comparative absorption of zinc picolinate, zinc citrate and zinc gluconate in humans. Agents Actions, 21(12), 223–228.

6. Lobo V, Patil A, Phatak A, Chandra N. (2010). Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health.Phcog Rev, 4, 118-26.

7. Heiting, G. (2017). Vitamin A And Beta-Carotene: Eye Benefits. Retrieved from All About Vision: allaboutvision.com 8. Christen, W. G., Glynn, R. J., Chew, E. Y., Albert, C. M., & Manson, J. E. (2009). Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 in Combination and Age-related Macular Degeneration in a Randomized Trial of Women. Archives of Internal Medicine, 169(4), 335–341.

9. Millen AE, Meyers KJ, Liu Z, et al. (2015). Association Between Vitamin D Status and Age-Related Macular Degeneration by Genetic Risk. JAMA Ophthalmol, 133(10), 11711179.

10. Maiti, S., Sadhukhan, S., & Bakshi, P. (2016). Ocular Preservatives: Risks and Recent Trends in its Application in Ocular Drug Delivery (ODD). In Y. Pathak, V. Sutariya, & A. Hirani, Nano-Biomaterials For Ophthalmic Drug Delivery (pp. 253-276). Springer International Publishing.

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