Too many hours in front of the PC: symptoms

Too many hours in front of the PC they are now a common condition in an always connected world.

Professionals who spend a lot of time at the computer, students engaged in online study sessions and video game enthusiasts are particularly exposed to the symptoms associated with prolonged exposure to artificial screen light.

Constant attention to the monitor, combined with suboptimal lighting and positioning conditions, can contribute to the onset of vision problems, headaches and difficulty concentrating.

Given the current nature of the topic, below we will learn to recognize which ones are symptoms caused by prolonged use of PCs, tablets and smartphones, trying to guide you through signals that cannot be ignored.

1. Fatigue and dry eyes

The digital age has led to an increase in hours spent in front of the PC, and with it, fatigue and dry eyes have become common symptoms. These discomforts arise from staring at displays for too long, stressing the eyes.

At the first manifestations, little attention is generally paid to these symptoms, but it is important to pay attention when they repeat in order to prevent more serious illnesses.

Eyestrain can manifest as tired eyes and blurred vision. Dry eyes, however, can cause:

• irritation;
• burning;
• foreign body sensation in the eye.

To counteract fatigue and To treat tired eyes , it is essential to integrate some preventive practices into your daily routine. There The 20-20-20 rule , which suggests concentrating your gaze on a point at least 20 meters away (for example, looking out the window, possibly something pleasant) for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, is an effective remedy.

Furthermore, reducing the time spent in front of the computer to less than 8 hours a day, ensuring correct lighting and adopting an ergonomic posture are essential pillars for visual health.

The regular breaks during digital activities They relieve eye stress, providing relief to the eyes.

Incorporating these practices into your daily routine is a valuable investment in preserving your visual health and mitigating the side effects of prolonged computer use.

No less important is the use of glasses equipped with blue light filters and anti-reflective treatments. These represent a further bulwark against the negative impacts of the light emitted by the screen.

Especially when you are exposed to blue light for a long time, you should invest in regular eye consultation to monitor your eye health and take personalized preventive measures.

2. Headache

Screen fatigue can also manifest itself through symptoms such as headache , a nuisance that many people experience after long sessions in front of the computer. The bright light from the screen and looking at it for a long time can contribute to this discomfort.

Headaches from visual strain can present with sensations of pressure or tension around the eyes and on the forehead, accompanied by a detail sensitivity to light .

In addition to respecting breaks and exercises useful for reactivating the correct tearing of the eyes away from the screen, the lighting chosen for the work, study or gaming area, in the case of gaming, plays a fundamental role against this type of disorder.

To avoid headaches, it is essential to adopt balanced lighting while working on the computer. Opt for diffused ambient light, preferably natural or from adjustable LED lamps , helps mitigate the risk.

It is advisable to position light sources so that they do not create direct reflections or intense shadows on the screen.

Furthermore, reducing the intensity of light, especially in the evening hours, and shielding direct light from the eyes can significantly relieve visual stress and prevent annoying headaches.

It is also always advisable to customize the brightness based on personal preferences and environmental conditions, creating a comfortable and ergonomically sustainable visual environment.

Of course, you shouldn't forget to use PC glasses, specially chosen to contain the harmful effects of blue radiation from digital devices.

3. Difficulty concentrating

The concentration difficulties , one of the symptoms caused by prolonged use of the PC, manifest themselves through various signs that can compromise different areas of daily life.

The visual blurriness and eye strain generated by constant exposure to the monitor can negatively impact work productivity and studies. This discomfort can also extend to recreational and social activities, generating frustration and stress.

As we have said, the difficulty in concentrating caused by prolonged use of the PC manifests itself through various symptoms that influence cognitive and physical well-being.

Continuous exposure to monitors can cause visual fatigue, which we have already talked about, reducing the ability to focus and distinguish details.

Furthermore, the uncomfortable prolonged position in front of the computer also contributes to muscle tension, often concentrated in the neck and shoulders, increasing the level of physical stress.

These factors, combined, lead to a decrease in concentration, making it difficult to maintain attention on complex tasks and causing a feeling of frustration and mental tiredness.

Reduced cognitive efficiency can negatively impact work and school performance , giving ever more importance to practices that preserve visual and general health.

It is, therefore, essential to remember to respect good habits even when you are particularly busy at work or studying or when you are very involved in gaming.

It must be said that computers, tablets and mobile phones are not enemies of our society and our health if we know how to manage them correctly and if we know how to organize ourselves with good habits and the right tools to use them.

We therefore recommend that you do not underestimate symptoms such as headaches, lack of concentration or eye fatigue and that you request a visit to your optician to check whether you need glasses or whether the ones you are using have a suitable prescription and appropriate shielding. working on digital.