Know the Truth: Debunking 5 Common Digital Eye Strain Myths
Whether you’re putting in hours at work or studying for school, many people spend a lot of time staring at screens. Computer screens, cell phones, and tablets have become a part of everyday life. As a result, many people spend hours each day with their eyes glued to a digital screen. But how can you protect your vision? With so many digital eye strain myths, it can be hard to know the truth.
Unfortunately, all of this screen time can damage your eyesight and cause uncomfortable symptoms. There are common misconceptions about digital screens and vision, leading people to misunderstand how screen time impacts their eyes. Take a look at five common digital eye strain myths:
Myth 1: Computer Screens Are Worse than Cell Phones and Tablets
Many believe that staring at a cell phone or tablet for hours is less harmful than staring at a computer screen. However, the reality is that all digital screens damage the eyes.
Being glued to your cell phone or tablet puts the same strain on your eyes as staring at a computer screen all day. Many people with computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain primarily use cell phones, tablets, and other handheld devices.
Myth 2: Corrective Eyewear Can Protect You from Digital Eye Strain
A common misconception about digital eye strain is that your eyes will be fine if you wear corrective eyewear. While eyeglasses with anti-reflective coatings can help reduce strain, they do not completely protect the eyes.
If your work or school requires you to look at a screen for long periods, you should still take breaks from studying to relieve the strain on your eyes.
Myth 3: Digital Eye Strain Doesn’t Cause Any Symptoms
One of the most prominent digital eye strain myths is that it is not a serious problem and doesn’t cause any real symptoms. However, patients who know the truth can verify that digital eye strain leads to significant symptoms.
People who spend too much time staring at digital screens struggle with headaches, blurred vision, dryness, and difficulty concentrating. Unaddressed digital eye strain can begin to affect your vision overall.
Myth 4: Children Do Not Get Digital Eye Strain
Some people believe that children are not susceptible to digital eye strain as their eyes are typically young and healthy.
The reality is that children’s eyes are just as vulnerable to damage from excessive screen time as an adult’s eyes. In fact, research has shown that children with prolonged screen time are more likely to develop vision issues.
Myth 5: There Is No Treatment for Digital Eye Strain
You may believe that once you have digital eye strain, nothing can be done to reverse the damage. However, while you may have some permanent issues, proper ophthalmologic care can resolve most symptoms caused by digital eye strain.
Your optometrist can guide you through vision therapy, which retrains your eyes to focus in a way that enhances visual skills and reduces strain.
Don’t Wait to Contact Us for Better Eye Health
Have you been struggling with the symptoms of computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain? Looking at a screen all day can wreak havoc on your eyesight, but a quality eye care center can ease your symptoms and improve your vision.
Looking Glass Optical in Pasadena, MD, offers care for digital eye strain and other eye issues. To learn more, contact us online or by phone today.
