Computer Vision Syndrome: Why You Should Avoid Cellphone Addiction This Lockdown
When I was younger, my mum restricted I and my siblings from sitting too close to the TV, or desktop, she believed that it would lead to eye discomfort, which would lead to I and my siblings using recommended glasses. Although it is unhealthy to sit too close to the TV, however, it is a mere myth, and too vague to say staring at the TV causes children to use prescribed glasses.
She believed that because that was what the media, and her friends said as at then. Not until she began to visit an optician eight years ago, she believed any child using a spectacle must have been addicted to watching TV, and always sat too close to the TV.
Today, a lot of us, especially youths and teenagers, do not spend time sitting in front of the TV, unlike ten years ago. Times have changed, we can get all of our favorite shows on our cellphones and computers.
Most times, we are engrossed with social media, Netflix, or video games. A lot of people are addicted to their cellphones, they can hardly live without their cellphones. As much as you may justify your addictions with the fact that you have the survival hood of your relationship, career and jobs, attached to the internet, you must not be oblivious of the side effects of cellphone addictions on your eyes, and overall health.
I got a graphic design gig over the weekend, so I had to spend half the weekend creating designs, at the end of the day, I could barely stare at anything with my bare eyes. I kept wondering why my forehead banged so badly, just then I remembered I had been glued to my screen all day.
Have you ever suffered eye strain after spending half a day on the computer or phone?
I often feel that way, and it is not healthy.
The overuse of cellphones, or computer can lead to computer vision syndrome, and eye strain is a common symptom.
Computer vision syndrome occurs as a result of constant staring at the computer.
Now, you have been on the internet for a couple of minutes or hours, and you must have scrolled through the pages of your Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook timeline several times. You go offline for an hour, and return to do the same thing. The fact that you repeat the same actions can lead to computer vision syndrome.
Whether you are working on your computer, or just surfing the internet, your eyes follow the same pace, and process over and over again. Note that it requires your eye muscles to be at work always so you can read, and see things.
“What if I am reading on my phone?” You may want to ask. Whether you are reading on your tablet, or chatting on WhatsApp alone, your eyes will most likely suffer eye strain, and this is why.
Unlike a book, or signpost, your cellphone screen has light, contrast, flicker, and glaze. Moreover, research shows that using a computer can cause dry eyes, and blurry vision, and this makes your eyes blink lesser than it should.
On the other hand, if you have an underlying eye problem, or you use the wrong glass prescription, you are at more risk of developing computer vision syndrome.
It is unarguably true that the power of your vision reduces as you age, so it is important that you take your eye care as important as other parts of your body.
Symptoms of computer vision syndrome
1. Headache
2. Eye irritation
3. Blurry vision
4. Teary eyes
5. Back pain or neck pain.
How to prevent CVS
- Change the lighting, or reduce the effect of your phone. Most cellphones have the eye care options. You can use it to help you keep your eyes safe.
- Rearrange your desk, you should be sitting in a position that does not allow you to strain your eyes.
- Give your eyes a break
- Do not itch your eyes. When your eyes are itchy, it is advisable to wash your eyes with warm water.
- See a doctor when eye strain, or other symptoms persist
In conclusion, your eyes are as important as your brain, and heart. As a matter of fact, the eyes help you acknowledge all that your heart feels, and your brain thinks, so take care of your eyes.
