Long hours staring at computers can damage eyes due to lack of blinking, experts warn

LONG hours staring at computers for work can damage eyes due to a lack of blinking, experts have warned. People naturally blink 20 times per minute — but the rate drops to between one and three times when concentrating on a screen. This can lead to dry eyes, causing strain, blurred vision and headaches. A […]

LONG hours staring at computers for work can damage eyes due to a lack of blinking, experts have warned.

People naturally blink 20 times per minute — but the rate drops to between one and three times when concentrating on a screen.

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This can lead to dry eyes, causing strain, blurred vision and headaches.

A survey found that more than half the nation spends the working week in front of a monitor, with the typical office worker viewing a display for more than 5½ hours a day.

Eighty-eight per cent of those said their eyes suffered as a result.

Headaches have affected more than one third and one in five has experienced blurred or disturbed vision.

The survey, by Hycosan & Optase Eye Care, found that 36 per cent could not avoid looking at a display for a day — and two in five could not recall their last screen-free day.

More than half of those quizzed also said that office lighting and air conditioning had a negative effect on eyes.

Expert Dr Sabrina Shah-Desai said: “Screens have taken over our lives but it’s vital that we take steps to look after our eyes and have regular breaks from artificial light and digital devices.”

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