No matter what you might think of the modern-day obsession with technology and, more specifically, screens, it’s a fact that these devices are here to stay. In fact, even if you’re not keen on the idea of using screens so much, it’s highly likely that at least some of your day will be spent looking at one, whether that’s your laptop, tablet, phone, or perhaps your TV.
Screens make work and life much easier, but they can also cause problems with our health, which is why it’s so important to minimize screen time where possible and be aware of the health risks associated with using screens, so you understand when it’s time to take a break.
Screen fatigue is a very real and highly problematic issue that can come from too much screen time. Here are some of the symptoms to look out for; if you experience any of them, the first step is to switch off the screens and rest – after that, it will depend on the severity of the symptoms, as you might need to seek expert help. Read on to find out more.
Impaired Vision
One of the easiest symptoms to spot, and one of the earliest to manifest when it comes to screen fatigue, is impaired vision. For many people, this means blurry vision, but the change can come about so slowly that it’s hard to notice at first. In fact, a lot of the time, you might not notice at all; eye strain can be dealt with quite quickly by taking a break from the screen, and within a few hours, any blurriness can disappear, assuming there has been no long-lasting damage.
Over time, however, and certainly without adequate breaks, this issue can become much worse to the point where corrective lenses are needed or even eye surgery. It’s best to have regular checkups with an ophthalmologist to ensure that no permanent damage has been caused. If there is a problem, the eye doctor will be able to help you choose what to do next. They might explain the benefits of cataract surgery if this is required or help you understand more about how to take care of your eyesight.
Bloodshot Eyes
Even if your eyesight seems absolutely fine, that doesn’t mean your eyes are healthy, and it doesn’t mean you’re not suffering from screen fatigue. If you spot that your eyes are looking bloodshot, this could well be because they are too dry, thanks to the amount of time you are spending looking at a screen.
Of course, there are other reasons for bloodshot eyes, including:
- Mold
- Pollutants
- Dust
- Pollen
- Smoke
However, if you have bloodshot eyes and you have been spending a lot of time on your devices, it is likely to be this that has caused it.
Migraines
If you have never suffered from a migraine, you might think they are just nasty headaches and that you can deal with them using some over-the-counter pain relief. This is not the case; migraines are much worse than a normal headache, and drugstore pills won’t do anything to reduce the pain. Along with terrible pain, you’ll experience vision disturbances, sensitivity to light, and often nausea too.
Apart from these symptoms (and others associated with migraines), a migraine can last for a number of days, disrupting life entirely. Too much screen time can trigger a migraine because the eyes become less flexible, and this, combined with fluctuating hormone levels, will cause a migraine to begin. If you can’t take a break, adjust the brightness of your screen, so it’s dimmer; this will help as an interim measure.
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