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Introduction
Screens are a part of our daily lives and they play a very important role. Screens are an indispensable part of our everyday lives, be it a laptop, a desktop computer, or a tablet. We use them to complete our tasks, spend our leisure time, and interact with each other. However as efficient and convenient as the screens can be, their constant use may jeopardize the eyes. In this article, we will discuss some scientifically proven methods of how we can keep our eyes healthy. This post will be about the dangers of prolonged screen time on the eyes and how to prevent them from happening.
Effects of Blue Light
The fact that one of the main issues related to screens is exposure to blue light is noteworthy. Screen blue light (visible light with a shorter wavelength than other colors) is classified as high-energy visible (HEV) light, and it is associated with several unhealthy effects. The results of the research show that the blue light emitted by electronic devices can cause digital eye strain, which is a syndrome that includes symptoms like dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision. Besides, lack of sleep is one of the side effects that go hand in hand with over-exposure to blue lights as it has been demonstrated to destabilize melatonin, a hormone that is responsible for sleep regulation.
To decrease exposure to blue light you can go for blue light filters on your devices or make for blue light-blocking glasses; if you regularly use the screens during nighttime.
Increased Risk of Myopia
In the same line of thought, prolonged screen time leads to an increased probability of myopia which is synonymous with nearsightedness. Nearsightedness or myopia is the most common vision problem that leads to blurry vision in which the objects that are away are clear but the ones that are near are seen clearly. Research revealed that children who devote additional time to screen use indoors are in line with having an early onset myopia.
To reduce the risk of myopia, encourage children to spend more time outdoors and take regular breaks from screen time to rest their eyes.
Dry Eyes and Eye Discomfort
Not only prolonged screen time cause eye dryness but also increases the risk of developing eye discomfort. Displaying our eyes on screens for a long time forms dry eyes that occur from infrequent blinking as proper moisture for the eye surfaces cannot be attained. These may be manifested by symptoms like irritation, burning, and a gritty feeling in the eyes.
To alleviate dry eyes, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes means you need to focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds of break time. This reduces eye strain and at the same time, you can blink and protect your eyes.
Digital Eye Strain
Digital eye strain is one of the most common medical problems these days and many people who work or study in front of the computers are diagnosed with this condition. Digital eye strain symptoms are tired eyes, headaches, neck pain, and blurred vision. Factor in, it could be a crucial one as it touches the heart of the productivity and contentment of life.
Digital Eye Strain: Let’s Discuss about the Methods of Prevention
The way to avoid digital eye strain is to develop good habits and make some easy changes to the way you use screens. Here are some tips to help prevent digital eye strain:
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: For every 20 min, pick 20-second break based on the 20-20 rule and gaze at something 20 ft away from your focused point to avoid eye strain.
Position your screen correctly: Ensure that the screen is at eye level and around an arm distance from your eyes. This way you will save on your eye and neck muscles.
Adjust screen settings: Make the screen to an appropriate level by adjusting brightness, contrast, and font size so that it is convenient to read.
Reduce glare: Position your screen to meet the safety requirement recommended by eye care expert which suggests not to position your screen in front of window so that it follows the lighting direction. Besides, you may employ a glare filter to suppress the glare.
Blink regularly: Blinking causes an eyeball to be exposed to tears which is considered an extraordinary fluid that provides moisture, thus reducing eye dryness and irritation. There is an attempt to blink more regularly when viewing screens.
Take regular breaks: Give your eyes a rest by taking regular breaks from screen time. Use the 20-20-20 rule as a guide.
Use artificial tears: If your eyes feel dry, use artificial tears to lubricate them and relieve discomfort.
Consider computer glasses: Computer glasses with a blue light filter can help reduce exposure to blue light and prevent eye strain.
By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of digital eye strain and maintain healthy eyes while using screens.
Conclusion
Prolonged screen time can have a negative impact on eye health, leading to issues such as digital eye strain, dry eyes, and an increased risk of myopia. To protect your eyes, it’s essential to take regular breaks from screen time, use blue light filters, and practice good screen ergonomics. By taking these steps, you can reduce the risks associated with screen time and maintain healthy vision for years to come.