When you think about the average time you spend sitting at your desk, holding a laptop or tablet, or looking down at your smartphone, you’ll quickly realize the number of hours you spend per day in front of a digital screen. Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, affects every 2 out of 3 Americans who are frequently connected to digital devices. Most digital eye strain symptoms are temporary but do include blurred vision, double vision, itchy eyes, dry eyes, increased light sensitivity, redness, difficulty focusing and fatigue.
In recent years there has been a lot of buzz surrounding the term “blue light” and how it impacts visual health. While sunlight naturally contains different wavelengths and colors of light, exposure to the blue spectrum of light with the rising usage of LED lights, computer screens and mobile devices on a regular basis has many people wondering about the potential harm to visual acuity as well as metabolism and sleep habits. Because the eye does not block blue light well, eye doctors recommend 100% UV blocking sunglasses when you are outdoors but even without them only about 1% of UV light hits the retina. By comparison, most blue light reaches the back of the eye. Too much blue light exposure can not only cause digital eye strain but lead to more serious problems such as retinal damage and age-related macular degeneration. Both blue light blocking glasses and blue light blocking filters for your digital devices are recommended to protect the eyes from the specific type of blue light emitted from electronic devices known as high-energy visible light.
Tips for digital eye care in a modern world can significantly improve symptoms of computer vision syndrome. Making simple changes to your environment will go a long way toward improving both the quality of your vision and any aching, lingering side effects you may currently be experiencing because of the time your eyes spend focused on screens. Reducing glare and harsh reflections is one of the easiest modifications you can make. When our eyes try to adjust to glare, we begin to squint and furrow our brow causing both eye strain and headache. Modifying the room lighting can eliminate these issues. Improving posture when sitting in front of your computer screen, keeping knees at a 90-degree angle with both feet flat on the floor, back straight yet slightly arched will keep the body in proper alignment as you work. Changing your focusing power plays a significant role in improving digital eye strain. For those that work with multiple monitors or who switch back from paperwork on the desk to refocusing the eyes back up to the screen, eye fatigue and neck problems are common. If neither of these options can be avoided, consider a document holder for paperwork that elevates the eyes closer to the monitor versus flat on the desk where your eyes and neck are forced to look down. Make sure the monitor is between 20-26 inches from your face or an arm’s distance, centered straight in front of you, and adjust the monitor so that the top line of the screen is at or slightly below eye level. Changing the ergonomics of your workspace will improve your vision quality.
Lastly, another tip for digital eye care in the modern world is to blink more and use artificial tear eye drops. Dry eye symptoms increase because you blink about 1/3 less often when on a digital device, additionally many of those blinks are considered incomplete because the upper eyelid does not completely cover the cornea, so it is lubricated less often.
For a comprehensive eye exam, visit Wichita Vision Institute by calling 316-773-6400 or clicking WEBSITE.
I Can See Clearly Now
by Don Burrows
Category: cataract surgeryDr. Patel saved my wife’s vision and mine too. I now live 770 miles from her office and would still make the trip, even if it required a cross-country trip.
I highly recommend Dr. Patel
by Jim Guhl
Category: cataract surgeryDr. Patel is a physician whose sincere goal is to improve the quality of life for her patients. When I first became a patient under Dr. Patel’s care, I was diagnosed with cataracts in both of my eyes; dry eye syndrome; and astigmatism. Previous records from my Lasik surgery, which occurred 17 years ago, were no longer available. The Lasik surgery documentation was important in determining the exact corrections that now needed to be made to properly correct my astigmatism. Dr. Patel wisely recommended I postpone the cataract removal and astigmatism correction procedure, until she received newly developed diagnostic equipment. This newly developed technology would provide her with the most accurate metrics possible. New specialized lens implants were also becoming available, which would correct my astigmatism. Dr. Patel explained my chances for a successful outcome would be significantly increased if I would be patient and wait a little longer. Dr. Patel is truly a physician with high integrity and would never perform surgery until she knew it was the right time. She truly cares about providing her patients with the best care she can. Dr. Patel successfully treated my dry eye symptoms with a regiment of eye drops, cleansing techniques and vitamins, which prevented me from requiring more extensive - and more expensive treatment. Prior to the surgery on my right eye, she provided me with sample eye drops from her office and coupons for the eye drops I would need to purchase after my surgery. She did all she could to reduce my expenses. During preparations for right eye surgery, Dr. Patel spent quality time with me explaining the results of my pre-surgery testing and asking questions to determine my vision goals. One of my desires was to once again see the front sight on a pistol. I thoroughly enjoyed going to the firing range, but due to the cataract in my right eye I could no longer see the sights, on my pistol. Although the cataract in my left eye was not as bad yet – I was also experiencing difficulty seeing and firing left handed. Using a blue gun (authentic plastic replica of a Sig P229 pistol), Dr. Patel took additional measurements which she used in determining the correct lens to implant, during my surgery. My right eye surgery took place on November 1, 2017. Two days after the surgery, I happened to glance at my mobile phone and for the first time in 10 years or more, I could read the information on the screen without glasses. I pulled the Sig out of its case and – wow! – The sight picture was there clear as a bell. So the right eye cataract is gone along with the rainbow halos around cars at night and the astigmatism has been corrected better than I dreamed possible. Quality of life restored! The process included the latest diagnostic equipment; the newest technology in an intraocular lens implant; and the use of a laser surgery technique performed by Dr. Patel. Sadly, insurance does not cover much of the cost for the process that produces the optimal results. When it comes to the long term correction of your vision and significant increase in the quality of life it is well worth the investment. Dr. Patel is a very accomplished and highly competent physician and surgeon. I will be forever grateful to her for restoring my vision. I highly recommend Dr. Patel. Jim Guhl Wichita, KS November 13, 2017
In Good Hands
by Luke F.
Category: lasik surgeryTalk about a life changing surgery!!! From the consultation to the surgery I knew I was in good hands. I would recommend WVI to anyone who is considering LASIK. Thanks WVI!
Life Changing!
by Ashley J.
Category: lasik surgeryI love Dr. Patel! After having my dreams crushed at another place when they told me I wasn't a candidate, I went to Dr Patel for a lasik consultation. She is very thorough and gave me information about my eyes that no doctor in almost 20 years has told me. A week ago I had Lasik and it has been life changing! I couldn't be happier and I'm so glad I chose Dr Patel. She truly cares about her patients and her passion shows. The wait time can be very long, but if you are prepared for that ahead of time, you won't be disappointed once you see the doctor. I'm recommending WVI to everyone I know. She is now the only doctor I trust for my eyes.
Impressed with Dr. Patel and Staff
by William D.
Category: cataract surgeryI first saw Dr. Patel about 6 years ago when my left eye wandered to the left side and stayed there. She sent me to the Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City for further evaluation. No reason was ever found as to why it did that but it corrected itself after about two months. Since then I have been seeing Dr. Patel regularly. I damaged the left eye in an accident and had to have a vitrectomy performed. She referred me to another specialist Dr. Paul Weishaar and that outcome was also great. The eye did develop a cataract and she performed that surgery a few months ago and suggested a plan for treating dry eyes. It was outstanding and since wearing glasses for over 50 years, I now just wear sunglasses. Simply amazing. Dr. Patel and her staff are the greatest and they know other great professionals if the need arises. They also do charity work and they are all a total blessing to me. I would not even consider going anywhere else. Just gotta love them.
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