Developers and Programmers and Computer Screens have a perennial relationship. It is important to concern about it. Doesn't it? As you know, you work hours and hours staring at computer screens and you feel discomfort with your eyes. What causes this situation?

Most of the people say that computer screens affect so badly on eyesight. The truth is, there is no good evidence that staring at a computer will cause permanent eye damage. However, computers can cause many uncomfortable eye-related symptoms. Although these symptoms typically go away when you're working, they can greatly disrupt your productivity and satisfaction while you're at work.

Looking at something for hours makes your eyes get tired. Those eye nerves feel tired of sending signals to the brain continuously for hours. That is why sometimes you get teary eyes, eye strain, discomfort in eyes, eye fatigue. Computer screens exposure your eyes to blue light. Exposing to blue light for a long period of time damages the eyes.

How does it affect your eye health?

Almost all visible blue light passes through the cornea and lens and reaches the retina. This light may affect vision and could prematurely age the eyes. Early research shows that too much exposure to blue light could damage your eye health: digital eye strain, retina damage.

Digital eyestrain: Blue light from computer screens and digital devices can decrease contrast leading to digital eyestrain. Fatigue, dry eyes, bad lighting, or how you sit in front of the computer can cause eyestrain. Symptoms of eyestrain include sore or irritated eyes and difficulty focusing.

Retina damage: Studies suggest that continued exposure to blue light over time could lead to damaged retinal cells. This can cause vision problems like age-related macular degeneration.

Causes of staring at computer screens for a long time

1.Eye discomfort
2.Headaches
3.Itchy eyes
4.Dry or watering eyes
5.Burning sensations
6.Changes in color perception
7.Blurred vision
8.Difficulty focussing 

Tips to minimize eye damage from computer screens?

Take regular breaks

You can do this by closing your eyes or focusing on a distant object for a few minutes. If you can, get out of your seat and take a walk or shift your focus to a task that does not require looking at the computer screen.

Position the computer screen properly

You should be 20 to 28 inches away from your computer screen. The top of the screen should be just below your eye level and slightly tilted away from you at a 10° to 20° angle. This means your eyes will be gazing down at about a 15° angle. Keeping a downward gaze reduces stress on your eye muscles.

Get an eye exam

Your eye-related issues may be due to an underlying vision problem that gets worse with computer use. Developers and Programmers who have nearsightedness and farsightedness should concern about this too.

Clean your computer screen regularly

The static charge on the screen can cause a build-up of dust, which may irritate your eyes.

Prevent dry eyes

Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air or try using lubricating eye drops before using the computer and throughout the day. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about choosing appropriate eye drops. Adjust for adequate lighting. You can take your eyes away from the screen for some minutes and blink continuously about 20 times. It also wet your eyeballs.

Try balancing the brightness of the computer screen with that of the room

Adjust your computer screen brightness to a mid-level/comfortable level.

Adjust desk lamps to avoid glare on the screen

Adjust the blinds or curtains to control glare from the window throughout the day. Remember to readjust the lighting when reading text in a book or on paper.

Though computer screens cannot damage your eyes permanently, it is important to get rid of above mention eye problems.