Can technology cause headaches? (Myths Answered)

I hope everyone knows the answer of Can technology cause headaches? Spending too much time looking at a screen can result in digital eye strain, leading to headaches, neck pain, dry eyes, and blurry vision. It’s also very general: Over 27% of people report headaches due to digital eye strain, according to the Vision Council.

Can technology cause headaches?

Screens play a significant role in daily life, whether for work or leisure. You might spend the majority of your workday staring at a screen when you’re at the office. Your screen time may be even higher if you work from home because it might be difficult to remember to take breaks when you’re working alone.

On some days, you might use your smartphone first thing in the morning, your work computer during the day, and then tablets and TV in the evening. Yes, these gadgets make our lives easier, but spending so much time in front of a screen can cause eyestrain and even headaches.

In fact, according to a review of studies, 64% and 90% of computer users reported experiencing some sort of symptoms, such as eyestrain, dry eye, and screen headaches. (1) Additionally, some people may experience migraines from eyestrain alone, making headaches from computer screens even more likely.

Can you get a headache from looking at screens?

We must first comprehend eye strain before discussing screen usage and headaches. Eye strain happens when your eyes tire after being overworked for a long time, such as when using a computer or other electronic equipment. Eye strain only develops after gazing at a screen for two hours straight. Glare occurs, blinking decreases, and it always seems too bright or too dark when you stare at a screen. In any case, how close should you be to your screen?

Even worse, we frequently use our computers and other technology in less than ideal circumstances, such as hunched posture, bad lighting, and intense focus. All these issues make it difficult for your eyes to focus on a screen for long periods. Even though eye strain is not a serious ailment, it can cause painful symptoms, such as the headaches you may be having. Eye strain symptoms and signs include:

• Distorted eyesight
• Itchy or burning eyes
• Trouble concentrating
• Headaches
• Sensitivity to light
• Tired and aching eyes
• Upper back, shoulder, and neck pain

Even though eye strain is a bother, it’s usually not a serious condition. However, it could give you headaches and impair your focus. Additionally, excessive screen time might hurt your mood and sleep quality. To minimize eye strain, it is crucial to rest your eyes if you notice that you are staring at displays more often than usual.

How can you avoid headaches and migraine episodes due to screens?

Once you get a screen headache, you must deal with the symptoms. The pain and discomfort that come with migraines can be eliminated (or at least reduced) if you can take precautions to avoid them in the first place. Here are some strategies for preventing headaches and migraines brought on by screens.

Adjust the lighting:

Eye strain and screen headaches can result from the brightness of your monitor or other electronic device paired with the lighting in your immediate environment. Keep the natural and artificial lighting in your room in proportion with the monitor’s brightness to reduce eye strain, which can cause screen headaches and migraines. Also, think about where you want your screen to be to reduce glare.

Take frequent breaks:

During the workplace or when watching television or other screen-related entertainment, looking away from the screen can help with eye strain and, as a result, lessen the risk of a migraine attack or screen headache. The American Optometric Association advises the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.

Measure the distance:

If eye strain causes screen headaches and migraines, ensure your display is at least 20 to 25 inches away from your eyes.

Get a pair of blue light glasses:

Blue light-blocking eyewear may help lessen headaches from screens, but the evidence is scant. Although there are better ways to avoid a headache from a screen, it doesn’t harm to try a cheap pair.

Try a screen protector:

If the glare from your monitor hurts your eyes, think about mounting an anti-glare screen on it.

Go old school with paper:

You can consume less time in front of a screen by printing larger papers that you could utilize more than once, even though it is not the most environmentally friendly alternative.

Tips for giving your eyes a break:

Now that you are aware of why too much screen time may contribute to those bothersome headaches, apply the following advice to make sure your eyes are receiving adequate rest:

• Adopt the 20-20-20 principle. The American Optometric Society advises taking pauses when spending time in front of a screen. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at anything or someone 20 feet away. Consider giving your eyes a 15-minute break if you’ve been staring at a device for more than two hours.
• Step away from your gadgets. Although it may be difficult, try putting down your device and doing something else you enjoy instead, such as walking your dog, making a meal, or taking a stroll. This is crucial if your job requires you to use a computer all day.
• Change the light level. Dimming the lights while using a computer can help reduce glare. Position the light behind you and away from your face if you’re reading or working on a puzzle.
• Be mindful of your ergonomics. You can maintain a neutral spine by appropriately placing your keyboard, monitor, and mouse. Ensure your monitor’s center is four to five inches below eye level and 20 inches away from your face. Avoid resting your hands on your computer or mouse, and keep your mouse and keyboard at a height where your shoulders fall naturally.
• Use drops to combat dry eyes. Artificial tears, often known as lubricating drops, can keep your eyes moist and help avoid dry eyes, which can cause eye strain. These eye drops are available from pharmacies.
• Take into account purchasing new eyewear. Consider purchasing lenses that block blue light or are made to lessen eye strain when using a computer if you use contacts or glasses and spend a lot of time in front of a screen.

Types of headaches:

Screen usage can exacerbate any related light sensitivity if you experience migraines, a form of headache that causes intense throbbing or pulsating pain on one or both sides of the head. Migraine triggers include eye strain, brightness, blue light, and screen flickering. Cervicogenic headaches are another type in which a neck issue results in head pain.

The base of the skull is where cervicogenic headaches frequently begin, radiating up one side of the head. At your desk, bad posture can exacerbate the stiffness and inflammation of your cervical muscles, which can worsen cervicogenic headaches.

Ways to prevent headaches:

These headaches can be avoided in certain situations. Exercise excellent posture, for example. A physical therapist can assess your sitting posture and the placement of your keyboard and computer screen to assist you in creating an ergonomic workspace.

• Use a screen guard: Using a guard can lessen the computer screen’s brightness and glare.
• Wear blue light blocking eyewear: Blue light filtering eyewear may lessen eye strain, but additional research is required.
• Take breaks: Regular pauses, spaced out every 20 to 30 minutes, can help with screen fatigue.

When to see a doctor:

If you experience headaches frequently, you should schedule a visit with your doctor. Don’t go away with over-the-counter remedies or keep you from doing your usual activities. Your doctor can devise a strategy for current and future headache treatment with you.

How do you stop technology headaches?

• Change the lighting.
• Take breaks frequently.
• Calculate the distance.
• Purchase some blue light glasses.
• Consider using a screen protector.
• Use old-fashioned paper.

Summary:

With prolonged screen use you may ask can technology cause headaches? Consider taking preventative precautions, such as changing the lighting, wearing screen protectors, and taking frequent breaks if you must spend more than two hours in front of a screen. Additionally, it’s a good idea to discuss OTC painkillers or migraine prescription drugs with your doctor. The appropriate adjustments and professional guidance from your doctor make it feasible to manage migraine pain.

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