In the digital age, people have become more reliant on computers to finish daily tasks or for recreation. This is especially true after the COVID-19 lockdowns, where flexible work and studying arrangements have further contributed to excessive screen time. In the United States alone, more than 104 million people spend upward of seven hours per day looking at screens, according to a report from the American Optometric Association and Deloitte Economics Institute.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) cites that too much screen use can lead to ocular problems like digital eye strain, which causes dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and back pain. This prompts the need for safety measures to keep the eyes safe in front of computers, especially for contact lens users. However, it should be noted that visual irritation from too much screen time can be exacerbated when you wear contact lenses. Since contacts may already cause discomfort by reducing the eyes’ oxygen supply, conditions caused by digital eye strain – such as dry eyes – can lead to additional pain. To avoid that, here are some eye-healthy computer habits that contact lens users can try:
Use blue light-safe devices
Computers and other electronic devices emit blue light, which can cause blurry vision, eye fatigue, dry eyes, and even more serious vision problems like cataracts and macular degeneration over time. Since blue light has a shorter wavelength compared with the other colors in the visible light spectrum, it can penetrate through your contact lenses and cause eye strain. To provide better protection, you can try blue light-safe devices like DOOGEE’s T30 Ultra and T20 Ultra tablets, which both have TÜV SÜD blue light certification, meaning that they meet the safety standards and are designed to reduce the long-term effects of blue light exposure. They are also equipped with Widevine L1 support for a high-quality viewing experience. These devices are guaranteed to protect you from the visual discomfort caused by combined contact lens use and blue light emission.
Opt for contacts with higher moisture content
Research published in the Ocular Surface showed that using digital devices like computers can lead to reduced blink rate, which causes dry eyes. To counteract this, you can try contact lenses that are comfortable to wear during long periods of computer screen use. High-moisture contacts are a viable option, with retailer Contactsdirect offering various products like ACUVUE Moist and DAILIES AquaComfort Plus that offer vision correction and visual comfort in front of a screen. Both provide hydration and moisture that help constantly lubricate your lenses, and they’re also perfect for people with near- or far-sighted vision. With contacts that have higher moisture content, you won’t have to bear the discomfort of dry eyes while looking at your computer screen.
Apply artificial tears
Alternatively, you can also opt for eye drops to mitigate the effects of digital eye strain. Using artificial tears regularly can help reduce the impact of prolonged screen use by moisturizing your eyes for improved visual comfort and clarity. The Biotrue Hydration Boost preservative-free drop is a great option that mimics the eyes’ natural tears to reduce any discomfort caused by dry eyes. You can also try the Systane Complete PF to treat red, irritated, and dry eyes, as it can be used every hour with one drop per application. Both of these brands are safe to use even when you’re wearing your contacts, as reported by Forbes. Using artificial tears such as these can help you mitigate the painful effects of digital eye strain.
Prolonged computer use can lead to ocular problems like blurred vision, eye fatigue, and dry eyes. Wearing contacts without proper moisture and blue light protection can exacerbate these symptoms, so follow these eye-healthy computer habits for visual protection and comfort. For more articles like this, visit the Computing for Geeks website for the latest in technology.
