If you’re like most people, you spend a lot of time in front of a screen. Whether it’s at work, school, or home, screens are a big part of our lives. And while they can be helpful and informative, too much screen time can be harmful to our eyes. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how to protect your eyes from the negative effects of screens!
1. Blue light glasses
Blue light glasses are a great way to protect your eyes from the damaging effects of blue light emitted by screens. Blue light glasses have lenses that filter out harmful blue light, reducing eye strain and fatigue. They also help improve focus and sleep quality. Wearing blue light glasses can reduce headaches related to eye strain, protect against macular degeneration, and even improve vision over time. You can find blue light glasses store in the US online or eyewear stores. Also, some computer and phone manufacturers have started including blue light filters on their devices.
2. Monitor brightness
Adjusting the monitor brightness is a simple, yet effective way to protect your eyes while using screens. If the screen is too bright or too dim, it can cause eyestrain and headaches, so it’s important to adjust the brightness on your screen appropriately for comfortable viewing conditions. You should aim for a brightness of around 100 cd/m2, which is typically considered a comfortable level for most people. When adjusting the brightness, it’s a good idea to use a brightness meter so you can properly measure the brightness of your monitor.
3. Take regular breaks
Taking regular breaks from your screen is essential to give your eyes and mind a break. Every 20 minutes or so, take at least a 10-minute break away from the screen. During this time, it’s important to look away and rest your eyes as much as possible. This will help reduce eyestrain and fatigue and can even help improve overall focus and performance on tasks that require prolonged periods of concentration. It’s also a good idea to get up and move around during these breaks, as this can help reduce stress and improve energy levels.
4. Adjust viewing distance
Maintaining the correct viewing distance from the screen is also important for protecting your eyes from digital strain. The ideal viewing distance should be between 20 to 40 inches away from the screen, depending on your vision, monitor size, and the type of work you’re doing. Any closer than this can cause strain on the eyes and can even lead to headaches or blurry vision. If you find yourself squinting or straining to see clearly, it’s a good idea to adjust your viewing distance further away from the screen.
5. Blink often
Next, it’s important to remember to blink often while using screens to help keep your eyes lubricated and reduce dryness or irritation. Blinking helps spread tears across the surface of your eye which keeps them moist and prevents dryness. When focusing intently on a task for extended periods, people tend not to blink as often as they should, so it’s important to be aware of this and consciously remind yourself to blink regularly when working in front of a screen.
6. Use artificial tears
Finally, if you’re experiencing dryness or irritation in your eyes, using artificial tears can be beneficial. Artificial tears are over-the-counter eye drops that help moisturize the eyes and reduce dryness and irritation. It’s important to choose a quality product as some brands may contain chemicals that could irritate your eyes further. If you’re unsure of which product to get, consult your eye doctor for advice.
Why is screen safety important?
Screen safety is important because the blue light emitted from screens can cause digital eye strain, headaches, and even blurry vision. Additionally, long-term exposure to blue light has been linked to an increased risk of macular degeneration, a common cause of permanent vision loss. Taking care of your eyes while using screens is essential for protecting your vision and ensuring comfortable viewing conditions. By following the tips outlined above, you can reduce the risks associated with screen use and help protect your eyes in the long run. Also, be sure to get regular checkups with your eye doctor to ensure your eyes remain healthy.
Screens are useful tools, but they can also cause discomfort if we don’t take the necessary steps to protect our eyes. Following these tips can help keep your eyes healthy while reducing uncomfortable symptoms associated with digital strain. So next time you’re spending a lot of time in front of a screen, remember to give your eyes the protection they need!
