As technology has become an integral part of our lives, it has become increasingly important to understand how to protect our eyes from the radiation and blue light emitted by computers and mobile screens.
While technology has made our lives much easier, exposing our eyes to computers and mobile screens for extended periods can lead to several problems, including eyestrain, headaches, dry eyes, blurry vision, and even long-term vision damage.
How Screens Affect Your Eyesight
We are living in a world where we are surrounded by screens all the time. Screens are everywhere, from our phones, tablets, laptops, and TVs. They have become an integral part of our lives.
But have you ever wondered how screens affect our eyesight?
It’s no secret that staring at a screen for too long can cause eye strain and fatigue. But the effects of screens on our eyes can go beyond just eye strain. It can result in blurry vision, headaches, dry eyes, and even long-term vision problems.
The blue light emitted from screens can cause the most damage to our eyes. This is because blue light has a higher energy level than other light colours, which can damage our eyes over time. The increased usage of screens increases our exposure to blue light and can cause long-term eye damage.
It is important to take precautions when using screens to reduce the risk of eye damage.
How to Protect Your Eyes from Screen
Fortunately, you can do some simple things to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of screens.
Use the 20/20/20 Rule
The 20/20/20 rule is a great way to do just that. The rule is simple: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on something 20 feet away.
The goal of the 20/20/20 rule is to give your eyes a break from the strain of staring at a device screen.
Every 20 minutes, look away from your devices and take a 20-second break. During this break, focus on something 20 feet away. This could be a window, a poster on the wall, a picture on your desk, or anything else.
Make Sure Your Room Is Well-Lit
Too much light in your room, while you’re on the computer, can strain your eyes. It’s best to avoid bright lights by closing curtains and reducing the amount of fluorescent lighting you use.
Replace any high-voltage light bulbs with lower-voltage bulbs and adjust the lighting in the area to be approximately half as bright as the typical office lighting.
Have Regular Eye Exams
Eye exams are important for maintaining overall eye health and can help diagnose and treat vision problems before they become more serious. Regular eye exams can help detect conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration early when they can be more easily treated.
Eye exams can also detect vision problems affecting your ability to do everyday tasks such as driving, reading, and using computers.
Regular eye exams are important to ensure your vision prescription is up-to-date if you wear glasses or contact lenses. An outdated prescription can make it harder to see, leading to headaches and eyestrain.
If you are over 40, you should have your eyes checked more often. This is because age-related eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration become more common as you age.
Reduce Blue Light
Try to limit the amount of time you spend looking at screens, especially before bed. If you work in an office setting, consider using a blue light filter to reduce the blue light that reaches your eyes.
Another good way to reduce blue light exposure is to take frequent breaks from your screens. Take a break from your phone or computer every 30 minutes, and give your eyes a rest. Many phones and computers have a night mode or blue light filter that can reduce the amount of blue light emitted.
Consider investing in a pair of blue light-blocking glasses. These glasses block out a large portion of the blue light that reaches your eyes, helping you to stay comfortable and reduce digital eye strain.
To Sum Up
Protection is key when protecting our eyes from mobile and computer screens. We can reduce the risk of eye damage by taking regular breaks from screens, adjusting display settings, and using protective glasses. Additionally, taking breaks from the digital world and focusing on activities that reduce eye strain, such as reading a book or taking a walk, is important. By following these simple steps, we can ensure that our eyes remain healthy and our vision remains clear.
Optiko is one of the best eye clinics in Calgary. We offer extensive eye exams and everything your eye needs. Get in touch with us.
