Whether working, shopping, ordering dinner, seeking entertainment, reading, or simply relaxing, most, if not all, of our daily activities involve looking at screens. Whether it’s a computer monitor, television or phone, your eyes are on a screen for nearly 7 hours a day on average. We rely on our sight for nearly everything we do, and in addition, they are fulfilling nearly a full work day focused on a screen.
So, how does a screen-centered lifestyle affect our eyes?
Like all of our muscles and body parts, our eyes can become fatigued from being overworked. Plus, prolonged screen time decreases your natural blink rate, which reduces the film of tears covering your eyes, making them dry. Breaks can be key to avoid and alleviate eye strain.
The 20 - 20 - 20 rule
To help break up extended screen time, try out this exercise:
Every 20 minutes,
look 20 feet in front of you
for 20 seconds.
And smile - you've just given your eyes a much needed rest!
Another solution for dry eyes is using eye drops or artificial tears to help them feel refreshed.
What about blue light blocking lenses?
Blue light blocking glasses are thought to decrease the transmission of UV light with wavelengths between 440-500 nanometers (shorter wave lengths with higher energy), however, using blue light blocking products have not yet been shown to definitively improve either vision or sleep quality, the two areas of concern when it comes to using blue light emitting devices like phones, computers, TVs, etc.
Rather than purchasing another product that has has not been proven to be effective, try to limit screen time, especially at night and before bed. Take frequent breaks and be more mindful at the time you spend staring at a screen uninterrupted.
