Office workers are damaging their eyes by ‘not blinking enough’ in front of computer screens
Office workers are damaging their eyes because they are not blinking enough while in front of computer screens, a study has warned.
Researchers say we usually blink between only one and three times per minute when using a computer.
But when we are away from a screen, the rate of blinking increases to up to 20 times a minute.
Blinking is necessary to keep eyes moist and free from dirt and irritants.
Scientists say infrequent blinking may lead to dry eyes, headaches and blurred vision.
A survey of 2,000 adults by OnePoll for Hycosan and Optase Eye Care found that the average office worker spends more than five-and-a-half hours a day looking at a screen.
Almost nine out of ten of those surveyed (88%) said their eyes feel tired, heavy and dry after a day in front of a computer.
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A third of office workers said they have experienced headaches caused by eye strain, while one in five have suffered from blurred vision.
Worryingly, the study found that two out of five workers cannot remember the last time they went a day without looking at a screen.
Eye care expert Sabrina Shah-Desai, said: “The results demonstrate how screens have really taken over our lives.
“It's vital that we have regular breaks from artificial light and digital devices.
“Office workers, in general, are more prone to dry eye disease as we naturally blink less when concentrating.”
