We’re living in the digital age, and more so than ever, we’re spending more time looking at our device screens for work and leisure. We know what you’re thinking… is all this screen time bad for my eyes?
Effects of Too Much Screen Time
If you spend a majority of your day looking at a screen, you are at risk of eye strain. Eye strain is a symptom, not a disease, and it occurs when your eyes get tired from overuse. This can include long durations of time staring at a screen, such as a phone, laptop, television or gaming device.
Other potential effects of too much screen time:
Eye Dryness – The number of times you blink is reduced significantly when staring at a screen, which may lead to dry and irritated eyes.
Loss of Focus – Excessive screen time can affect our ability to adjust our focal distance quickly. Whilst this is a normal deterioration over time, those with excessive screen time may be at risk of premature focal loss.
Eye Fatigue – Intense use of screens can cause headaches, double vision and concentration issues.
Near-sightedness – Recent studies show that children who spend more time indoors on their screens and devices are more likely of developing near-sightedness.
Retinal Damage – Concerningly, screens release blue light which reaches the inner lining at the back of your retina. Studies have shown that blue light can damage light-sensitive cells in the retina, which may lead to premature macular degeneration.
Poor Sleep – Excessive screen use can have a huge impact on human sleep cycles. Blue light tricks the brain into thinking it’s daylight, which ultimately alters the brain’s sleep rhythms when used near to bedtime.
How to protect your eyes from too much screen time:
Give your eyes a break – If your work or studies require you to spend large amounts of the day looking at a screen, combat the nasty effects of blue light by taking regular breaks. Every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds (20-20-20 rule).
Adjust Lighting – Most devices these days allow users to adjust the screen’s brightness and hue for better eye care. Ensure that your screen isn’t brighter than the surrounding light and be sure to use the night-tinted screen option at night.
Use Blue Light Glasses – Blue light filter glasses can decrease the amount of blue light displayed on your screen. Reduce this light to avoid eye fatigue.
Keep eyes moist – If you suffer from dry eyes, consider using artificial tears to keep your eyes well lubricated.
Get your eyes checked regularly! - You can book a free at home appointment with us here.
The effects of too much screen time can be easily managed and reduced through proper eye care. If you notice symptoms, act quickly to reduce the long-term impact screen light can cause. If you have any further questions or concerns, get in touch with Zephyr Medical today.
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Zephyr Medical is a bulk-billed mobile optometry clinic, servicing the South-East Queensland and Northern NSW regions. Our team is dedicated to providing patients with comprehensive services to benefit their eye health in the comfort of their home or workplace. Get in touch with us today to book an optometrist appointment that suits your schedule.
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