Technology Versus the Human Eye

In the 21st century, we’re showered with the latest tempting gadgets. A glance at our agenda tells us just how much of our 24 hours is spent in front of our holy screens. It’s sacred, because it allows us access to information in an unimaginable amount of time. So what could possibly be wrong in this scenario?

Well, apparently when your mom nags you about staring at a screen too much, she’s got good reason to do so. Long-term screen exposure can severely damage your vision.

One disorder caused by too much screen exposure is computer vision syndrome, and you may find yourself nodding along in agreement with the listed symptoms. People exposed to long hours in front of the screen may experience headaches, dry eyes, double or blurred vision and neck pain. If you have computer vision syndrome, you probably aren’t blinking enough to keep your eyes healthy.

According to an article in the Calgary Herald by optometrist Todd Wilbee, you blink up to two-thirds less times than normal when you’re looking at a screen, which ultimately results in dry and inflamed eyes. So think of it as a staring contest between two people, who attempt to stare into one another’s eyes without looking away or blinking. It’s torturous! These natural lenses have been labouring from the day you opened them. You know better than to demolish them with ill-use.

So while the battle between technology and your eyes is bound to rage on, perhaps only when you can no longer clearly see your toes, will you stop ignoring your eye health. While technology can be a vital tool for students – whether it’s your laptop, TV or iPod – you’ve also got this same technology to help you protect your eyes; use the alarm on your phone and take a coffee break every so often!

Very few people transition seamlessly from their technologically obsessed lifestyles to that of a Luddite, and that’s obviously not what I’m suggesting. But if you do want to ensure a brighter tomorrow, at least start by giving your eyes a break. Speaking of which, I’m going for a coffee.