Bedsore

I did the math.

By the time I get up from this chair, I will have spent the better part of 32 days sitting on my ass and staring at a computer screen. Like, for 12-15 hours a day.

I used some of the time sat on my ass to research the impact that staring at a screen for this long could have on my eyesight. Apparently, there was a study done that shows 58% of people who work on computers all day experience what’s called computer vision syndrome. The symptoms include eye strain, blurred vision, headaches, and neck and back pain. That;s the short term damage, but long term the amount of screen time we have could damage our vision permanently. Since 1971, cases of nearsightedness in the US have nearly doubled and in Asia today, almost 90% of teens and adults are nearsighted. This is most likley due to an increase in screen time. The colour of our screens can also cause us problems. Screens emit a mix of red, green, and blue light. The sun also emits blue light, which regulates our circadian rhythms. When the sun sets we produce the hormone melatonin which makes us feel tired and fall asleep. However, many studies have found that the blue light from our screens can disrupt this. I think, whilst I’m spending all my time staring at a computer, I’m going to buy some computer glasses from Felix Gray. I don’t fancy computer vision syndrome and I need my sleep.

It’s not all bad news though. Today, in a brief moment in the car (also sitting on my ass), I taught my kid how to say “atrophy.”

I’ve put on 10 pounds in the past four months.

I lose the chains on October 17th. On the 18th, I’m going to the mountains, where I will likely sit on my ass.

But at least I won’t be looking at a computer screen.

Labels: Health