Today, it feels as though somebody's nuked my eyeballs. Dipped them in hot sand. Then sprinkled on chilli flakes. I could go on, but you get the point.

I spy with my big red swollen eye... Source

Although there's no causal proof that staring at a computer screen causes dry eyes, I'm pretty convinced there's a link. Designers of the 2014 Osaka Study guessed that too. They measured the visual acuity (vision clarity) of Visual Display Terminal workers. Unfortunately, they didn't come to any strong conclusions but more and more eye specialists are noticing a connection between digital devices and eye problems.

Dry eye syndrome, Source

Dry eye syndrome

Dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis) is caused by being unable to lubricate the eye to an adequate level. Either you don't produce enough tears or your tears evaporate faster than they are made.

Symptoms

The symptoms of dry eye syndrome are mild for most people, although more severe cases can be painful and lead to complications.

Symptoms usually affect both eyes and often include:

• feelings of dryness, grittiness or soreness that get worse throughout the day
• burning and red eyes
• eyelids that stick together when you wake up
• temporarily blurred vision, which usually improves when you blink

NHS Source

According to a 2016 survey of Optometrists in Australia, 99% expressed concern about the the increased use of digital devices and the effects this could have on the eyes.

Optometrist Dr Alex Du said:

The high energy blue light [emitted by digital screens] has been shown in some studies to cause some damage to the macula. Another harmful aspect of near work is the increased risk of developing myopia (short sightedness).’

Source: Eyecarevision

There are special lenses that are designed to block out some of the blue light emitted from screens but, so far, there is no conclusive evidence these provide any benefit. And who wants to look like Bono every time they read through the blogs?

Blue light blocking glasses, Source

Since joining Steemit, I've found myself spending many hours reading and responding to posts. My screen time has probably quadrupled. My guess is the heat radiating from my screen is evaporating the moisture from my eyes. Quick solution? Sit further away and zoom in a bit.

Other health-related topics:

• Humans are not herbivores

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