Is Working on a Computer in a Dark Room Bad for my Eyes?

There just aren’t enough hours in the day. With never-ending to do lists, work and school projects, and a calendar of places to be, people are often left to do work after hours when the bounds of a 9-5 life cannot contain everything that needs to get done. That sometimes means working on a computer in the late night or early morning hours without daylight pouring through the windows. We know that digitally strained eyes need to take a break frequently (remember the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes take a 20 second break to focus on something at least 20 feet away) and maintaining habits that reduce eye strain will lessen eye fatigue.

We go to a dark movie theater to enjoy new movie releases in the dark. Is that ok for our eyes because it is a big screen instead of a smaller screen such as a phone, tablet or computer? Is working on a computer in a dark room bad for my eyes? Too much time on a digital device can cause eye strain regardless of the brightness level of the room. If possible, adding a light source either with a desk light near the computer screen or opening the blinds to allow natural light in will help to offset eye strain and fatigue. Low-level light helps your eyes feel less tired and overworked. When working on a computer in the dark, consider these options to help eliminate some of the effects that happen to the eyes such as eye strain, dry eyes, irritated eyes, watery eyes, sensitivity to light, headaches, feeling of pressure behind the eyes and blurry vision. Options to help the eyes while working on a computer in a dark room include adjusting the brightness of the screen, increasing the screen contrast, eliminating glare, increasing font size, using a screen application that automatically adjusts the screen according to the light of the room, use a blue light blocker and using a blue light filter, blink often, take breaks and use eye drops to lubricate the eyes.

While working on a computer in the dark is not bad for the eyes any more than regular computer usage, it can cause varying degrees of discomfort. Most eyecare experts agree that screen time does not cause serious vision issues. There are some studies that suggest the blue light from screens may cause damage to retinal cells which can lead to eye conditions like macular degeneration, but the extent of this probability has not yet been determined.

Safeguard your eyesight by scheduling your annual eye exam at Skyline Vision Clinic. Appointments can be made by calling 719-630-3937 or visiting WEBSITE.