Since the Coronavirus Pandemic, our work, social lives, entertainment and news updates are all being fed to us through screens. 1.5 Years later, we are now more attuned with the phenomenon known as “screen fatigue;” a condition that has plagued stationary office workers for years, but is now a problem seen in children of all ages. It's a condition that affects millions of Americans who work on computers, but can be triggered by any screen — smartphones and laptops are two major causes.

Although class is back in session for most students nationwide for the 2021-2022 school year, with students retuning to in-person learning, there is still much to learn about this phenomenon. In this article, we will address screen fatigue (what is it? What are the signs? How can it be treated?) and its counterpart known as “zoom fatigue” – (What is it? What are the signs?) We will also provide some recommendations for both Therapists and Educators as they gear up for the school year.

SCREEN FATIGUE – WHAT IS?

“Screen fatigue” is also called computer vision syndrome, or CVS, and it’s incredibly common. Screen Fatigue Is Real.

According to UCLA Health:

Computer-related eye fatigue, also referred to as computer vision syndrome, describes the combination of eye and vision-related problems associated with prolonged computer use. Working at a computer for extended periods of time is visually demanding, requiring frequent eye movement, eye focusing, and eye alignment processes. Problems can occur when the visual demands of the task exceed the visual abilities of the individual to perform the task comfortably.

Images on computer screens are formed by tiny dots called pixels, so the eyes have to work harder to keep the pixelated images in focus. There is no scientific evidence that staring at a computer screen for long periods is harmful to the eyes or will cause permanent eye damage. Working on a computer, however, is a demanding visual task that can make your eyes may feel dry and tired.

Studies show that humans blink half the usual amount of time when using computers. Blinking leaves a thin layer of tear film over the front of the eye, helping the eye to focus properly. Not blinking can cause images to look blurry and lead to dry eyes.

Eyestrain can be made worse by:

Marathon work sessions
Sleep deprivation

SCREEN FATIGUE – THE SIGNS.

Signs and symptoms of computer-related eye fatigue may include:

Blurred vision
Headache
Double vision
Difficulty focusing after leaving the computer
Dry, itchy and irritated eyes
Eye Redness
Eyestrain
Potentially related orthopedic complaints, such as stiff neck and neck pain

…

SCREEN FATIGUE – TREATMENT.

Eye exercises may help limit eyestrain from computer use:
Look around at objects that are at different distances. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at an object at least 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds.
Put a note on your computer reminding yourself to blink.
Reduce the brightness of your computer screen or use a screen filter to reduce computer glare.
Sit two feet from the computer screen and make sure your eye gaze is slightly downward.

Other steps to alleviate eyestrain:

Limit contact lens wear and make sure contact lenses are cleaned properly.
Place a damp, warm washcloth over closed eyes or use artificial tears to refresh tired, dry eyes.
Take regular breaks.
When eyes start feeling sore, use that as a signal to step away from the computer.

You can also try eye yoga.

…

ZOOM FATIGUE – WHAT IS IT?

Zoom Fatigue is a mental and physical challenge. According to Telehealth.org, Zoom Fatigue environmental distractions come in three forms:

EXTERNAL
External distractions include children, pets, phone calls, app notifications, and poor lighting. They can occur not only in your space but also in your patient’s or client’s space. Knowing how to control such factors is part of understanding telehealth clinical issues.
ERGONOMIC
Ergonomic distractions include uncomfortable or unsuitable chairs, awkward screen positioning, and poor lighting.
TECHNICAL
Technical distractions include issues with the meeting software, such as audio and video connection problems.
…

ZOOM FATIGUE – CAUSES.

A recent National Geographic article describes some causes of Zoom Fatigue:

The inability to use the full range of non-verbal signals and cues that are typically taken for granted during in-person meetings.
Over-reliance on limited signals and cues that come from watching other people’s faces.
Needing to maintain a fixed posture and position to keep yourself in view of your device’s camera.
Using equipment that is too small for the task at hand. Using mobile phones for example, requires squinting into a small screen, often no larger than the size of an index card, for long periods. Research suggests this leads to reduced eye blinking, resulting in eye irritation and strain.
Being unable to mentally or physically escape, even briefly, because being on camera all the time compels nonstop concentration and focus.
A feeling of self-consciousness when seeing oneself speak during a video conferenced session.

WHAT ARE SOME RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THERAPISTS AND EDUCATORS TO COMBAT ZOOM FATIGUE DURING TREATMENT?

SHIFT – You might not be able to walk away, but you can make small adjustments to how you are seated or standing to help you keep your blood pumping while not being a distraction. If you use a standing desk, you can shift your weight from one foot to another in small ways.
LOOK UP – Take your eyes off the screen for a moment. Focus on an object further away. Your clients and patients are not likely to complain if you look away in thought, as you would in your in-person practice. One technique you can try is the “Triple-Twenty”: Every twenty minutes, spend twenty seconds looking at something at least twenty feet away. Look out the window, if you can. If you are concerned that you may appear disinterested, explain to your patient or client that you are practicing self-care techniques and are trying to make your video-practice mimic real life, where you don’t typically stare at them the entire time they are seated in front of you.
MOVE – If you have the chance to take a break, get out of your chair and move. If you live in a two-story home and are meeting downstairs, use the upstairs bathroom. Step outside if you can. Walk briskly, sprint a few times. If you can’t easily step outdoors, do some light stretching, deep breathing exercises, or take a few minutes for meditation before your next session.
FILTER – In a couple or group session, change your view from gallery to single, and back again as needed.
If you feel self-conscious seeing your own face on your video screen, use a sticky note to cover your image.

The response to the COVID-19 virus is unprecedented. Because of our unique role in children’s K-12 education, we feel a responsibility to do what we can to assist schools, therapists, and students with this transition to online learning and seclusion. To ensure that our clients remain engaged and supported, our therapists will be providing complimentary “Support Sessions” to the country’s youth. We will also be assisting schools by training therapists for remote therapy.

Click here to schedule a complimentary consultation with an Executive Member of our Team.

Abington Speech Pathology and RemoteSpeech.com are uniquely prepared to provide assistance for parents of children with Speech-Language Pathology.

About Abington Speech Pathology

Abington Speech Pathology is managed and owned by a licensed speech-langauge pathologist. All of the company’s directors are licensed and remain clinical to better direct and support both the company’s clients and the clinical staff.

Through the years the company’s client base continues to grow and remains loyal. ASPS, INC has expanded its services to include Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Teachers of the visually and hearing impaired, and School psychologists. ASPS, INC. now operates two offices. The corporate office is in eastern PA and services all 5 major counties surrounding the metro Philadelphia area. The Southern CA office services the Los Angeles and Orange County metro areas and at this point only offers speech pathology services to all settings.

The company offers the professional staff a lending library of materials. In PA, there are 2-3 continuing educational seminars to assist on clinical growth and state and national mandated continuing education requirements.

About RemoteSpeech.com

RemoteSpeech is a subsidiary of Abington Speech Pathology Services, a multi-faceted Rehab company that has provided Speec50h Staffing and support throughout the country for more than 20 years. RemoteSpeech combines crystal clear voice with the sharpest video to provide next-generation video calling and high-definition video delivery.

Prior to the Covid 19 pandemic, Orna Kempler-Azulay, President of RemoteSpeech, says the demand for speech-language therapists was outpacing the supply in some cities. RemoteSpeech is here to meet the demand. With its live, face-to-face interaction, RemoteSpeech is not the next best thing to being there in person — it’s just as good, and, in some cases, even better. With advanced state-of-the-art games, activities, and interactive screen sharing, students and adults will actually look forward to their therapy sessions.