WASHINGTON — People love their digital devices, but they are doing a real number on their eyes.
The Vision Council, an optical industry group, says 95 percent of Americans are at risk for digital eye strain. In a report released at the Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas, the council also says that millennials appear to be particularly hard-hit, with nearly 7 in 10 reporting symptoms.
Dr. Holly Gross, an ophthalmologist in Rockville and Frederick, Maryland, says 95 percent is a bit high, given that the Census Bureau reports a quarter of American homes do not have a computer with access to the Internet.
But she says there is no denying that the problem of digital eye strain has reached epidemic proportions, as computer use has expanded from desktops to tablets, e-readers and smartphones.
Gross says extensive use of these devices leads to symptoms that can include “feeling like your eyes are tired. They are watery. They are burning. Your vision gets blurred, muscles hurt, the face is tense, you get headaches.”
She says extent and type of digital use is now a factor in developing an individual prescription for glasses or contacts. Sometimes, special computer glasses are made to focus on images at a specific distance. Sometimes, all that’s required is over-the-counter glasses with a tinted lens to cut glare and protect the eyes from the blue light emitted by digital devices.
But Gross’ favorite tip to cut digital strain is to limit screen time whenever possible and take regular breaks. She subscribes to the 20/20/20 rule recommended by the Vision Council: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at least 20 feet away.
That’s her No. 1 prescription for the large number of teenagers who end up in her office with eye strain. Many have 20/20 eyesight, she says, and when they cut back on their digital usage, the symptoms go away.
“They just don’t realize what effect those activities are having on their eyes,” Gross says.
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