Screen fatigue: How it affects your health

Screen fatigue: How it affects your health (Photo: iStock)

Picture this: It has been a long day, with your time split between screen - TV, computer/laptop and your much-loved smartphone.

You strain your eyes as you fall asleep, sometimes images appearing in double, as you swing between this world and dreamland. While your body feels energetic, the sleep you battle seems to be concentrated around your eyes, leading to a more frustrating moment for you, since you need to follow everything happening in your groups, friends and contacts.

Well, you are battling with screen fatigue.

Screen fatigue, often referred to as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome, is a growing concern in our technology-driven world.

According to a study by the American Optometric Association (AOA), screen fatigue is “a condition resulting from prolonged and repetitive use of digital devices.” With teleworking becoming the norm, our screen time has surged.

Here are five key dangers associated with screen fatigue.

1. Eye strain and discomfort: Extended screen use can lead to eye strain, causing discomfort, blurred vision and headaches. AOA advises using the 20-20-20 rule, every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to alleviate eye strain.

2. Dry eyes and irritation: Prolonged screen time reduces the frequency of blinking, which can cause dry eyes and irritation. Staying hydrated and using lubricating eye drops can help mitigate these symptoms.

3. Disrupted sleep patterns: Excessive screen use, especially before bedtime, can interfere with sleep by disrupting melatonin production due to blue light exposure. It’s recommended to avoid screens an hour before bed.

4. Increased stress and anxiety: The absence of face-to-face communication in virtual interactions can heighten stress and anxiety. This is due to the loss of non-verbal cues like body language and eye contact. Taking regular breaks and engaging in in-person interactions can help reduce these feelings.

5. Physical health issues: Prolonged screen use can lead to poor posture.

To address the problem, it’s essential to adopt healthy habits such as regular breaks, hydration and ergonomic practices.