03.09.2024

Back to work after summer break: are your eyes ready too?

We spend an average of 32 hours a week in front of a screen, according to the annual Arcep study, and even more for people working with a computer. Screens, information overload, colours, contrasts... our eyes are not used to seeing this much. So it's crucial to pay very close attention to your visual health. In this article, we give you tips on keeping your eyes healthy during this busy period.

(by Med. pract. Victoire Hurand)

Computer Vision Syndrome

Computer Vision Syndrome is eye fatigue that occurs during prolonged use of screens (computer, tablet, telephone, etc.). These symptoms are linked, in part, to the constant accommodative efforts of our eyes. To see clearly, the eye muscles must constantly «focus» by adapting. This accommodation capacity is even more in demand in front of screens. Symptoms include visual fatigue, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes and neck pain. The problem is temporary and usually disappears spontaneously.

How to protect your eyes

With the start of the new academic year in September, our eyes are being put to the test in our daily activities with the almost ubiquitous use of screens, for students and working people alike. The increasing time spent in front of screens can lead to various eye problems if certain precautions are not taken. So it's crucial to pay very close attention to your visual health. Here are a few tips on how to keep your eyes healthy during this busy period.

Here are 6 useful recommendations for anyone who often works at a computer screen.

1. Adapt your working posture

The ideal distance between your eyes and the screen is around 50-70 cm. The screen should be positioned slightly below eye level. Adopt the correct posture by sitting up straight, with your feet flat on the floor and your elbows at right angles. This will help reduce strain on your neck and shoulders. Make sure that the lighting in the room is comfortable and does not produce reflections on your computer screen. Also adjust your computer screen settings.

2. Blue light filter glasses: controversial results

Anti-blue light glasses promise to reduce the exposure of our eyes to the blue light emitted by screens. However, the Cochrane review of 17 studies showed that anti-blue light glasses may not reduce symptoms of eye fatigue over a short-term follow-up period. New randomised studies are therefore needed to define the effects of anti-blue light lenses on vision.

3. The «20-20-20» rule

The «20-20-20» rule is simple to apply and effective in reducing digital eye strain. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away (about 6 metres). This relaxes the eye muscles responsible for accommodation and reduces muscle tension.

Researchers at Aston University in the UK have shown that this technique significantly reduced eye symptoms, but that these symptoms recurred as soon as the practice was stopped.

So keep your eyes glued to the screen for a few more minutes while you read our valuable advice, before your next eye break!

4. Beware of dry eyes

Dry eye is a common problem with prolonged exposure to screens, and even more so for contact lens wearers. When we stare at a screen, we blink about 5 times less. This causes dry eyes due to poor distribution of the tear film. Without tears, the eyes cannot be properly hydrated. Symptoms can include tingling eyes, a feeling of sand, and easily irritated red eyes. Dry eyes reduce visual quality and can make wearing contact lenses less comfortable. We therefore recommend that you use artificial tears throughout the day and exaggerate the palpebral blink during your «eye breaks». So to the «20-20-20» rule, we can add 20 extra blinks!

5. Limit your children's screen time

It has been established that by 2050 half the world's population will be myopic. Prolonged use of digital tools increases the risk of developing myopia. Young people are particularly affected. This refractive disorder, where the eye is too long or too powerful, is exacerbated by growth, but also by our lifestyles, which place heavy demands on close-up vision.

To limit the progression of myopia, it is essential to spend time outdoors in daylight, and to maintain an eye-screen distance of 50 to 70 cm. There are also ways of curbing myopia: glasses with special lenses or specific contact lenses.

6. Regular ophthalmological check-ups

In the event of persistent eye fatigue, headaches, vision problems or any eye pain, it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist. Regular check-ups can help detect any problems.

At Swiss Visio, we offer consultations and surgeries in an excellent environment for all ocular pathologies except oncology. Our 22 centres provide fast and personalised care in a trustworthy environment and we do our utmost to offer appropriate medical care.

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