We’ve all heard how bad the effect of screen time and blue light can be on our eyes. But is it really that bad?
Effects
Eye strain is a very real result of spending too much time staring at a screen. Your eyes have to work harder to focus, and you tend to blink less than normal. Typically, our screens don’t stay at the proper angle or distance, and that can cause additional strain. These things all add up over time and can lead to lasting effects such as:
- Nearsightedness
- Dry, irritated eyes
- Eye fatigue
- Loss of focus flexibility
- Retinal damage
- Loss of sleep
Protection
While these effects seem daunting, there are ways to protect yourself!
Take a break – the recommendation for screen breaks can be summed up by 20-20-20. Every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Your eyes get to take a break and refocus when you do this.
Distance yourself – Your screen should remain about an arm’s length away from your face, or 25 inches. This keeps your eyes from working harder when it’s too close. The angle should also have you looking downward slightly.
Reduce glare – A glare can aggravate your eyes, so it’s important to position the screen to avoid glare from sunlight or internal light.
Blue light filters – Blue light filters can reduce the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes. This reduction can help your eyes feel less tired by the end of the day.
Artificial tears – Blinking less has an obvious effect of dry eyes. Artificial tears can help lubricate them and keep them healthy.
Yearly eye exam – Your yearly eye exam will help your physician determine if any eye conditions are developing and give you a better idea of your eye health. Moffatt Eyecare is here to help!
