Traditional Eye Strain

Traditional Media was the primary form of gathering and sharing information before the digital evolution. People use to rely solely on printed publications such as books, magazines and newspapers for their news, and all forms of information. However, in spite of the fact that many people today prefer to opt for their digital alternatives, many still find reading from the traditional printed works appealing. For those people who prefer to select the more traditional method, here are two main precautions to consider in order to help prevent unnecessary eye strain and discomfort:

• Light Source: Choose a well-lit location to sit and read. This will make it easier for your eyes to focus.
• Breaks: Give your eyes a rest by taking a break from reading approximately every 10 minutes.

Computer Vision Syndrome Eye Strain

When viewing and consuming information through digital media, whether it is while you are using your mobile phone, watching television, or using eReaders take a break every 10 minutes to give your eyes a rest. You see, unlike traditional publications, electronic devices have introduced a new potential ailment called "Computer Vision Syndrome". This ailment is caused when you strain your eyes in order to focus on pixels of the digital screen attached to your device of choice. The following are two precautions that we can suggest in an effort to combat CVS induced eye strain:

• Back-lit screens: Devices that have well back-lit screens can make it easier for the reader to focus.
• Reduce pixelation effect: Use technologies that address pixelation issues by displaying text more closely resembling printed work.

Have you ever felt that you strained your eyes by staring far too long at a computer screen, television or even the book that you were reading? Did this eye strain cause blurred vision and/or a head ache? Eye strain symptoms were occasional occurrences when one read traditional hard copy versions of various types of media, such as books and newspapers. However, with the advent of technology eye strain symptoms and others variations thereof have become more frequent. While technology has made it more efficient to consume information on smaller devices such as mobile phones and tablets it has also led to the appearance of a disorder called CVS. Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), is a disorder caused by eye strain while trying to focus on the pixels that form the digital image(s) on the screen. With technology becoming more ubiquitous by the day it is important to be aware of the various symptoms and expressed disorders relating to eye strain. Equally important, is the need to understand the methods of treatments used to combat eye strain in order to diminish or eliminate discomfort related thereto.

As mentioned above there are two main types of media that delivers information to the reader. Traditional methods, such as printed work, and digital versions viewed using various electronic devices options. Let’s have a quick look at both of these categories and highlight the various symptoms associated with each along with the steps a person can take to address and avoid eye strain for the respective category.

Eye strain is indiscriminate and can virtually impact anyone regardless of age, race or gender. By following the steps mentioned above a reader can avoid the unpleasant consequences of eye strain while promoting a healthier and more comfortable reading experience.