It is already impossible to imagine modern life without a computer. We use it for work and study, for entertainment. We use it for a variety of everyday tasks: sending e-mail, reading the news, looking for recipes to create culinary masterpieces.
At the same time, the computer is a heavy burden on our eyes. Studies have shown that people in developed countries spend several hours a day in front of various screens, using computers, televisions and smartphones. Especially a lot of time is spent in front of a screen by those who have to do it for work, as well as children and adolescents.
Does the computer ruin my eyesight? There are a lot of myths about this, for example, some kind of "dangerous radiation" that affects the eyes. In fact, the LCD monitor is not a source of any powerful radiation capable of causing negative impact on eyesight. When working with it, it is important to select the appropriate level of brightness and contrast, and then the probability of problems is markedly reduced. But this does not mean that you can sit in front of the screen from morning till night without any consequences.
Why computer monitors are harmful for eyesight
The human sight has been forming as the result of long evolution. It perceives the reflected light rays. But the image on the monitor screen is not like that, it is self-luminous, not reflected. That is, our eyes are simply not designed for such an image.
Do not forget that human vision in the first place is designed to look away. However, modern life imposes on us a visual load at close range.
Another serious problem is that the eye needs to blink periodically – this is particularly necessary to moisten the ocular surface with tear fluid. But when a person is focused on a task, such as typing by moving their gaze from the screen to the keyboard, they blink much less frequently or do not fully close their eyelids. As a result, the surface of the eye dries out and the person experiences discomfort. If you don't pay enough attention to it, normal dryness can progress to dry eye syndrome. It is believed that this syndrome affects one in five people. If you ignore dry eye, your vision will eventually begin to deteriorate.
The negative impact of the computer on a person's vision can also be caused by improper organization of the workplace. Glare, not long enough distance between the eyes and the LCD screens, poor color choices – all of this affects the state of your eyes.
As a result, people who work a lot in front of a PC, develop a disorder that experts call computer vision syndrome, which requires monitoring by a specialist.
All of the above is typical for devices with traditional LCDs. So-called "electronic paper" or "electronic ink" (E-Ink) screens do not have such negative effects. But they have many disadvantages, because of which they are used comparatively rarely and are not suitable for many tasks: low refresh rate, monochrome image reproduction. However, if you read a lot from the screen, it is better to buy an e-book with the screen type E-Ink.
Symptoms of computer syndrome
All complaints from people who spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen are conditionally divided into two categories:
- Visual, aka optical. They are characterized directly by a deterioration in visibility;
- Physical.
Visual ones include:
- Reduced visual acuity, which can manifest itself as blurring, blurred objects, shrouds or a feeling of fog;
- Problems with changing focus when looking from near objects to distant objects and vice versa – the so-called accommodation disorder;
- Bifurcation of the image;
- Increased fatigue while reading.
Physical complaints relate to a variety of painful sensations, including:
- Burning;
- Feeling of sand;
- Pain with eye movement;
- Tension, soreness in the eye sockets and nearby areas of the forehead.
Prevention of computer syndrome
The negative impact of the computer on a person's vision may cause myopia and dry eye syndrome, which may lead to more serious problems. Myopia is more dangerous for children and teenagers, while dry eye syndrome may affect people of almost any age.
But there are simple preventive methods that may help reduce the level of danger.
If you can avoid working at a computer for a long time, don't do it. Take a break every half hour, go outside or at least come to the window, otherwise you will get computer syndrome – a matter of time. Computer glasses also help to reduce the strain.
Place the monitor so that it is about 10 cm above eye level. Make sure the screen is not against an unblinded window. It is good if the display has a special matte coating that prevents glare. Try to blink more often so that the eye surface gets the moisture it needs. Special eye exercises are very helpful.
In order to avoid dry eye syndrome it is also necessary to visit an ophthalmologist periodically in order to check vision, even if you do not think that you have any problems. Well, if you find yourself with the above symptoms, it is even more necessary to see a specialist as soon as possible, because the computer spoils eyesight and this is a proven fact.
