PixabayWhether it’s business or pleasure, more and more people are spending an increasing amount of time glued to their phone or laptop.
While for many it probably comes as no surprise that spending our lives staring at a screen isn’t actually that great for you, there’s been a worrying development associated with it, reports The Mirror.
Reports have surfaced that increasing numbers of office workers are suffering from eye problems associated with being fixed to a screen all day long.
Moorfield’s Specialist Eye Hospital in London is seeing large numbers of workers seeking help for the pain and redness caused by hours of computer use.
According to the Evening Standard, the common symptoms include dryness, tiredness, swelling or a gritty feeling.
Daniel Ezra, consultant ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon at Moorfields said:
Some people carry on going at work, despite their eyes being uncomfortable and even red-raw.
PexelsHowever, the extent of the damage stretches further.
Blepharitis is a common condition where the edges of the eyelids become red and swollen – and Dr Ezra estimates it affects up to 15 per cent of Londoners who use screens a lot.
The main cause is a decrease in ‘blink rate’ caused by high screen illumination. This leads to the faster evaporation of tears, causing the eyes to dry out.
WikipediaThis then leads to inflammation and discomfort which is only made worse by air conditioning common to many offices.
So what can we do to help our poor peepers?
When at work you should try to get in the habit of blinking more when at your computer – it could actually be a good opportunity to try out this classic Indiana Jones moment:
Over-the-counter artificial eye drops can help ease the dryness and if symptoms persist always seek medical advice.
Be good to those eyes people.
