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Q: I went to my optometrist because I’ve been getting headaches and blurry vision. He told me I have computer vision syndrome. Is this a joke, or is there really a new syndrome to deal with?—Dave D., New York
A: It’s no joke, Dave. Computer vision syndrome, or digital eyestrain, comes from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader and cellphone viewing. Its symptoms are eyestrain, neck and shoulder pain, dry eyes, blurred vision and headaches. You see, digital type is made up of tiny pixels (not filled-in lines, like print), and your eyes strain to connect those dots. Plus, most digital devices have very harsh, blue-light emissions. On top of that, the typical working American—and we bet that’s you—spends seven hours a day in front of a computer or electronic device, TV time not included! When you stare at a digital screen, your blink rate goes from a normal 15 times a minute to as low as seven to five times a minute. That dries out your eyes and causes blurred vision. And if a screen is too close or too far away, it strains your upper body and eyes. To minimize eyestrain, the American Optometric Association suggests the 20-20-20 rule: Take a 20-second break, every 20 minutes, to look at something 20 feet away. We also suggest using saline eyedrops. Also, make sure your computer screen is 2 feet—a full arm’s length— away from your eyes and that your eyes are even with the top of your screen. That way, your gaze to the center of the screen is angled a bit downward. And hold your phone screen a foot away from your face. If the type is too small, make it larger!
Fortunately, it’s likely that your vision will improve, along with your overall health, if you put down your digital devices, get outside, look at the scenery and walk 10,000 steps a day.
Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen at youdocsdaily@sharecare.com.
(c) 2017 Michael Roizen, M.D.,
and Mehmet Oz, M.D.