Screens are essential in our daily lives for work, communication, and entertainment. Computers, screens, television, and mobile phones require our constant attention. Did you know that too much screen exposure can have a impact on your eye health? It is important to know the risks of too much screen time and how to protect your eyes to avoid long-term damage.
Arvada Eye Care is dedicated to helping you maintain optimal eye health in the digital world. Continue reading to explore how screen time affects your vision, the common symptoms of digital eye strain, and practical steps you can take to safeguard your eyes.
How Screen Time Affects Your Vision
Spending long hours staring at a computer, smartphone, or tablet screen can lead to a variety of vision-related issues. Here are some of the common effects of excessive screen time on your eyes:
Digital Eye Strain
One of the most prevalent issues associated with prolonged screen use is digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. This condition occurs when your eyes become fatigued from focusing on a digital screen for extended periods. Symptoms of digital eye strain include:
- Blurry vision
- Dry or irritated eyes
- Headaches
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Difficulty focusing on objects at a distance after screen use
Blue Light Exposure
Screens emit blue light, a type of high-energy visible (HEV) light that can penetrate deep into the eye. Prolonged exposure to blue light can cause discomfort and has been linked to an increased risk of developing macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss. Blue light, especially before sleep, can disturb your sleep by affecting your body's natural sleep cycle.
Increased Risk of Myopia
For children and young adults, excessive screen time may contribute to the development and progression of myopia, or nearsightedness. Myopia occurs when the eye becomes elongated because of excessive close-up tasks such as reading or using screens. This causes distant objects to appear blurry. Researchers have linked the increasing prevalence of screen use among young people to a global rise in myopia cases.
Dry Eye Syndrome
When using screens, people tend to blink less frequently, which can lead to dry eye syndrome. Blinking is essential for spreading tears across the surface of the eye, keeping it moist and comfortable. Not blinking enough while looking at screens can make your eyes dry, irritated, and tired, causing dry eye.
How to Protect Your Vision from Screen Time
While it may be challenging to reduce screen time in our technology-driven world, there are several steps you can take to protect your vision:
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
To reduce digital eye strain, practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This simple habit helps relax your eye muscles and reduce fatigue.
Adjust Your Screen Settings
Insure that your screen is positioned at eye level and about 20-24 inches away from your face. Adjust the brightness and contrast to comfortable levels and consider using a matte screen filter to reduce glare. Enabling the “night mode” or blue light filter on your device can also minimize blue light exposure.
Try to Blink More Often
Make a conscious effort to blink more frequently while using screens. Blinking helps keep your eyes moist and reduces the risk of developing dry eye syndrome.
Take Regular Breaks
In addition to the 20-20-20 rule, take regular breaks from screen use throughout the day. Stand up, stretch, and give your eyes a chance to rest. Incorporating these breaks into your routine can significantly reduce the strain on your eyes.
Wear Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Consider wearing blue light blocking glasses, especially if you spend a significant amount of time in front of screens. These glasses can help filter out harmful blue light and reduce the risk of digital eye strain and disrupted sleep.
Comprehensive Eye Care for Screen-Related Vision Issues
If you are experiencing symptoms of digital eye strain or other vision issues related to screen time, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our eye care team at Arvada Eye Care can assess your eye health, recommend personalized solutions, and help you maintain clear, comfortable vision in today’s digital world.
Don’t let screen time take a toll on your vision—request an appointment and learn more about protecting your eyesight in the digital age.