As screens become more a part of our daily life, you may have heard concerns about the way screens may impact eye health. So, what’s the deal? Just what causes concern when it comes to your eyesight and electronics, and how bad is screen time for your vision? Here’s the scoop for better eye care!
What Is Eyestrain?
Eyestrain is basically when your eyes get too tired after you use them a lot. In addition to looking at a screen too often, you can also get it from driving for a long time. You should usually be able to recover from eyestrain easily with a bit of rest. If you notice persistent eye pain, it is a good idea to visit an eye doctor who can tell you if there are any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the eyestrain.
How Can You Avoid Eyestrain?
If you want to stave off eyestrain, there are a few simple steps you can take. Follow the 20/20/20 rule! Look at something 20 feet away that is not a screen every 20 minutes for about 20 seconds.
Strategically setting up your workspace can make a big difference when it comes to avoiding eyestrain. Avoid overhead lighting, make the text on your device larger and more readable with different fonts, and keep your eyes at least an arm’s length away from your screens. You may want to consider artificial tears as a way to avoid eyestrain.
What’s Blue Light?
Blue light is the term used to refer to the kind of light that emanates from your screen. There is some evidence that it contributes to eyestrain and loss of focus. There is no research that proves that blue light causes damage to the retina. However, many people choose to wear glasses that block the blue light or use programs on their devices to change the tone of their screens just in case.
So, there is no definite research that shows that screen time can cause long-term damage. However, it is still a good idea to avoid eyestrain.
For the Greatest Eye Care in South Florida to Improve Your Ocular Health, Look to South Palm!
If you are concerned about screens impacting your eye health, we can help give you more tips and assess any eye issues you have. At South Palm Eye Associates, our eye care experts love to make sure that you receive the best eye care possible. To make an appointment for a vision exam, call us at 561-737-4040 today.