Computer usage leading to eye problems

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Do your eyes get dry and your vision blurry when you're staring at a computer or phone screen for an extended period of time?
     
It's actually part of a bigger fatigue problem called Computer Vision Syndrome.

Dr. Zach Rossman, an optometrist at Regional Hospital, says it's a problem he's seen in people of all ages.

"We have muscles in the eye that have to work to focus to see up close like a computer screen or a phone, so when we do that over time, it can fatigue," said Dr. Rossman.

Surprisingly, he says a big problem is that our eyes actually need to focus just beyond the screen, causing more work.

Another problem is that when people are using a device like a computer or phone, they're usually very concentrated on that object.
     
This leads to the symptoms of blurry, dry eyes.

"When we're using our computer or looking at our smartphones, doing these engaging activities, we typically decrease our blinking. we blink about twice in a minute, as opposed to 16 times in a minute," said Dr. Rossman.
     
So the big question is, 'what can you do?'
     
Zach suggests the 20/20/20 technique.

"Every 20 minutes you take a break, you look out at something 20 feet away, and you do that for 20 seconds," said Dr. Rossman, "give yourself a 20 second break."
     
He says if the problem is bigger than that, getting a checkup and possibly a pair of reading glasses could help too.