Today, it is paradoxical that technological advances that facilitate many tasks also represent a setback for our physical well-being. A clear example of this is the massification of cell phones, new television screens and, to a greater extent, computers, devices that, due to their excessive and necessary use, have become the number one enemy of our sense of life. sight.
Why do our eyes get damaged while working in front of a computer?
The LED screens of digital devices emit light with a high proportion of short wavelength, that is, a visible radiation that is too energetic, causing damage to the eyes. The harmful effect of radiation depends on the spectral composition of the light, the time of use and the distance.
The discomfort that we can present due to the light emitted by screens are the following: pain in the eyes, dry or watery eyes, blurred vision, double vision, sensitivity to light, difficulty in focusing images, headache and pain in the neck. These and other problems are included in the same name: Visual Computer Syndrome.
It must be clarified that the problem does not come specifically from the appliances, as in most health problems, bad habits are the trigger for the ailments.
We know that in the hyper-connected world in which we live, it is inevitable to flee from the omnipresence of screens and their harmful effects on our eyes, largely due to the long working hours that we must spend in front of a computer, which we cannot reduce or ignore.
But fortunately, there are some proven tricks that will help you take care of your eyes without interrupting your obligations.
1. Every 20 minutes you should look away from the screen for 20 seconds and focus on something 20 feet (6.09 meters) away. Our eyes are not designed to be used at such short distances for long periods, so following the famous 20-20-20 rule is a key point.
2. A person blinks approximately 15-18 times per minute, which naturally moisturizes the eyes. But this rate is reduced when we work for a long time in front of the computer. Try these 2 exercises:
to. Open and close your eyes strongly for three to five seconds, and repeat these movements 7 or 8 times during the day.
b. Blink every two to four seconds to achieve fifteen to thirty blinks per minute. This exercise will help you subconsciously increase your blink rate while you work.
3. The position of the screen in relation to our eyes is extremely important, it is recommended that the upper part of the monitor is at eye level, and is at a minimum distance of 50 centimeters.
4. This can be the simplest advice, since it does not require effort or perseverance: turn on the light of the place where you use the computer. Working in a dark place increases the strain on your eyes, so avoid it.
5. The most important thing is to go to the ophthalmologist, who can prescribe special glasses to protect your sight from the glare of the screen. This can reduce the effort of focusing and avoid putting too much strain on your eyes.
Now you know, you don't need to use our digital devices less, you just have to do it with the necessary precautions. By following the recommendations above, you will feel better and be able to work longer.
