Eye pain from using screen in the dark
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Started a new relationship a year ago. She sleeps early and I usually can't, so I stay up and use my phone or laptop in the dark for an hour or two. I didn't use screens in the dark before this. So I'm fairly sure this is what has caused my current eye issues because they started shortly after the start of the relationship. I was very slow to make this connection though until two weeks ago and have now stopped.
The screen in the dark caused slight eye pain.
Then I noticed in February that my eyes were sensitive to the sun, even with sunglasses. Now I need to wear sunglasses if there's any sun.
And more recently I've been getting minor vision issues. My vision is occasionally slightly blurry for very short periods. And it's sometimes harder to focus on text very close like I used to be able to.
I had my eyes tested three months ago and they were fine. I don't wear glasses or contacts. Never had problems with my vision before.
So...my question is what have I done to my eyes? Is it permanent?
One relevant eye problem I do have though is that when I was a child i looked at the sun during an eclipse. And since then my eyes have been very sensitive to flames. So even looking at a candle for 5 seconds will hurt my eyes.
0 likes, 1 reply
Marina_Dee tom28655
Edited
Sounds like dry eye syndrome. Often caused by looking at screens intently, especially in the dark. I've had this condition for 20 years + . Your symptoms are exactly like mine 20 years ago, and I had no idea what was going on. Took 5 years of infected eyes,seeing ophthalmologists and corneal specialists to finally be diagnosed. This is a fairly recent phenomenon and is being seen right across the world where people are constantly using screens of any sort.
You need to
a} cut down on screen time
b} stop using screens in the dark
c} when using a screen try to stop yourself every 10 minutes or less and rapidly blink and squeeze your eyelids together , but dont touch them. Use the tiny muscles in your eyelids to squeeze out the tiny glands in your eyelids. This is the essential oil that keeps your eyes moist. I am not talking about tears, they are totally different.
d} Buy some artificial tears drops , also called Hypromellose and use several times per day and also before you shut your eyes for sleep. Always keep them with you. You should be able to buy these in any pharmacy. If you are in UK, Boots do a whole range of eye drops for this condition, but Artificial tears is a good one to start.
e} having identified this problem you may not need any further action, but sometimes it does take some time to find the exact right treatment. it can get worse before it gets better.
f} not using any lubricating drops may lead to a very dry eye which can then become infected. Try not to get to this state.
g} if you develop gritty eyes do not use an eye wash, it will make it worse. This may be the signal to use a more intensive eye drop or gel.
h} if one or both of your eyes should become red and inflamed then do see your doctor . you may need an antibiotic cream.
Hope all that helps. There are lots of different articles you can read online.