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Are You Having Difficulty Focusing Towards the End of the Day?

In our digital age where technology plays a pivotal role in work, education and leisure, many of us have experienced discomfort in our eyes after spending prolonged hours in front of screens, particularly as the day wears on. This article aims to explore the reasons behind having difficulty focusing on objects as the day goes by, provide insights into reducing digital eye strain and offer practical tips for maintaining better visual and overall well-being in our tech-driven world.

SPECTACLE HUT

Are You Having Difficulty Focusing Towards the End of the Day?

Understanding Our Eyes

The mechanics of our eyes require the contraction of our eye muscles to focus on objects at close range1. With the extended use of screens or consistent focus on nearby objects, these eye muscles can become fatigued, leading to spasms that affect our ability to focus properly2.

Additionally, during tasks that demand our full attention, like staring at a computer screen, we tend to blink less frequently. This reduced blinking can result in dry eyes because they aren't being lubricated as often as they should be3. 

Impact of Digital Screens

The blue light emitted by digital screens has been linked to eye fatigue4. Collectively, these factors contribute to what's known as Digital Eye Strain or Computer Vision Syndrome, a condition characterised by ocular and physical discomfort following prolonged periods of screen use5.

  • Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain include 
  • Blurred/double vision
  • Red/dry eyes
  • Eye fatigue
  • Neck/back pain
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty shifting focus between different distances6

These symptoms are often exacerbated by poor lighting, screen glare, improper viewing distances, poor sitting posture, and uncorrected vision issues7.

How to Ease Symptoms of Eye Strain

To mitigate the effects of Digital Eye Strain, consider the following tips:

Take Regular Breaks: Implement the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to gaze at an object at least 20 feet away. This brief pause helps relax your eye muscles8.

Blue Light Filtering Glasses: Invest in lenses that reduce the transmission of blue light to your eyes. These glasses can significantly decrease the strain caused by prolonged screen exposure9.

Artificial Tears: Use lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist, especially during extended periods of close work. This simple step can alleviate dryness and discomfort.

Adjust Your Workspace: Reduce screen glare by adjusting the position of your screen or your seating arrangement. Adequate lighting and proper ergonomics can make a world of difference10.

Screen Customisation: Tailor your screen settings to suit your comfort. Adjust font size, screen brightness, and contrast settings to ensure your eyes are not subjected to unnecessary strain.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the discomfort associated with prolonged screen use and make your digital activities more enjoyable and eye-friendly. Your eyes will thank you for it in the long run.

How Crizal® Eyezen Protects You Against Visual Fatigue

Experience relief from visual fatigue with Crizal® Eyezen lenses. Whether you're in front of large or small screens, at any distance, Eyezen™ Focus offers you extra support for clearer, more comfortable vision.

Thanks to Light Scan® and W.A.V.E Technology™, harmful blue violet light is filtered out while providing your eyes with ultimate clarity even in the digital age11. As a result, you enjoy sharp vision while your eyes stay relaxed and focused.

For more information on Crizal® Eyezen, click here or approach our staff at your nearest Spectacle Hut store.

 

1. Motlagh M, Geetha R. Physiology, Accommodation. [Updated 2022 Nov 15]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542189
2. ”7 Tips to Avoid Screen Fatigue and Preserve Your Productivity.” Partnerstack. https://partnerstack.com/articles/tips-avoid-screen-fatigue-preserve-productivity
3. “Protect Your Eyes From Too Much Screen Time” American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/newsroom/news-releases/detail/protect-your-eyes-from-too-much-screen-time
4. “Is Too Much Screen Time Giving You Eye Fatigue?” (2021, July 8). Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2021/07/is-too-much-screen-time-giving-you-eye-fatigue
5. “Computer Vision Syndrome” American Optometric Association. https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/computer-vision-syndrome
6. Kaur K, Gurnani B, Nayak S, Deori N, Kaur S, Jethani J, Singh D, Agarkar S, Hussaindeen JR, Sukhija J, Mishra D. Digital Eye Strain- A Comprehensive Review. Ophthalmol Ther. 2022 Oct;11(5):1655-1680. doi: 10.1007/s40123-022-00540-9. Epub 2022 Jul 9. PMID: 35809192; PMCID: PMC9434525.
7. “Digital eye strain: Causes and solutions” Chubb. https://www.chubb.com/au-en/articles/business/digital-eye-strain-causes-and-solutions.html
8. “20-20-20 Rule & How to Prevent Eye Strain” EVO ICL. https://us.discovericl.com/blog/the-20-20-20-rule-preventing-digital-eye-strain
9. “Do Blue Light Blocker Glasses Work? How to Find Out!” Assil Gaur Eye Institute. https://assileye.com/blog/blue-light-blocker-glasses-test/
10. “Ergonomics of lighting for productivity and well-being.” Fit For Work. https://fitforworksg.com/ergonomics-of-lighting-illuminating-the-path-to-better-productivity/ 
11. “Eyezen: Lenses For Digitally Connected People” Essilor Singapore. https://www.essilor.com.sg/products/eyezen

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