Constant staring at technology has potential for problems

Between a computer, a mobile phone and even a tablet, people spend hours each day gazing at information on a screen.

As a result, they can experience problems that come from constantly staring at technology.

Dr. David Malitz, an ophthalmologist at the Southwest Eye Institute in Las Vegas, says there have always been urban legends about what affects the eye, such as reading small print or now from reading on a computer screen and watching television for hours upon end.

Some of the warnings from those tales — “you might go blind” — aren’t true, but eye doctors say that people should be aware of potential problems.

For example, people tend to blink less often when staring at the computer, tablet or mobile phone.

“When you stare at a computer, you focus more and blink less,” says Dr. Brett Brimhall, an ophthalmologist at The Brimhall Eye Center in Centennial Hills.

Malitz says because of this, people usually get dry eyes.

Brimhall adds because Las Vegas already has a drier climate, this increases the chance that people will have problems.

“All people are at risk,” he says. “Especially people who have jobs and hobbies that require increased amounts of time staring at a computer.”

There are solutions that can help dry eyes.

Brimhall says take breaks to rest the eyes, giving them a moment to absorb the natural tears they create.

“I always recommend people keep artificial tears around to help,” Malitz adds.

Patients can ask their doctors about certain contact lenses that are designed to help people who do work around technology all day, he says.

If dry eyes become too severe, doctors may recommend surgery on tear ducts.

Along with dry eyes, extended times looking at screens can cause blurry vision, eye strain or sensitivity to bright light.

Other suggestions Brimhall recommends to alleviate problems include investing in screens that might reduce the amount of glare people have or even readjusting a monitor.

People should also remember to take breaks from their computer.

“If you take the time to give your eyes some break from staring at the screen and limit the long hours of exposure, you can help to prevent dry-eye syndrome,” Brimhall says. “Getting up for at least five minutes will give your eyes something new to look at and a rest from computer screens.”

Regardless, people should get regular exams to maintain the health of their eyes.

People also are constantly using technology for entertainment. Despite the myth, Brimhall says people won’t go blind from sitting too close to the television.

“It’s not going to ruin your eyes, but it is probably going to give you a terrible headache,” he says.

But it can have an effect on children’s developing eyesight, Malitz says.

“There is an epidemic of myopia developing for a younger generation,” he says.

Also known as nearsightedness, he says, this probably developed because of this generation’s use of technology.

Parents should monitor their children’s’ use of electronic technology, but Malitz says it varies on how much time might really affect their vision.

But he also says regular eye exams can help parents catch serious problems.

Contact reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5201. Follow @mjlyle on Twitter.