Do you spend hours staring at a screen every day? Whether it’s for work or leisure, the reality is that screens have become an integral part of our lives. But did you know that prolonged exposure to screens can cause eye strain, headaches, and disrupted sleep patterns? The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of screens. Let’s get started!
Wear blue light glasses
Blue light glasses have become increasingly popular in recent years and for good reason. These glasses are specifically designed to block blue light emitted by screens, helping reduce eye strain and fatigue. Blue light is a high-energy wavelength that can disrupt our circadian rhythm and suppress melatonin production, causing sleep problems. Wearing blue light glasses while working on your computer or scrolling through social media can alleviate many of these issues. These glasses come in different styles and magnifications, so you can choose the ones that best suit your needs.
Keep in mind that not all blue light glasses are created equal. Make sure you invest in a quality pair from a reputable brand to ensure maximum protection against harmful blue lights. Don’t be afraid to wear them outside either! While they may look like regular eyeglasses, they offer added protection from UV rays as well as any other sources of artificial lighting.
Take breaks
It’s easy to get lost in work and forget the time, but taking regular breaks can prevent eye strain and fatigue. And one way to do so is to follow the 20–20–20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen for at least 20 seconds and focus on something that’s around 20 feet away.
Also, consider getting up from your desk or chair and walking around for a few minutes. Stretching or doing some light exercises can also relieve tension in your body.
Remember that taking small breaks throughout the day can improve productivity as well. By giving yourself time to recharge, you’re allowing yourself to come back with fresh eyes and new ideas.
Adjust your screen settings
One of the most important things you can do is adjust the brightness and contrast of your screen. A screen that’s too bright or too dark can cause eye fatigue, so make sure it’s just right.
Pay attention to the color temperature of your screen. Warmer colors are easier on the eyes, while cooler colors can be harsher. You may need to experiment a bit with this setting until you find what works best for you.
If you spend a lot of time reading from your computer, consider adjusting the font size and typeface as well. Smaller fonts can strain your eyes, especially if they’re not very clear or sharp.
Many screens come with built-in blue light filters these days which reduce eye strain caused by prolonged exposure to blue light emitted by digital devices. These are also known as Night mode or Blue Light Filter mode in display settings and reducing blue-light exposure has been shown in research studies to improve sleep quality after late-night computer usage!
Maintain the right distance
Sitting too close or too far away from your device can lead to discomfort, headaches, and even long-term vision problems. To maintain a healthy distance, adjust the position of your screen so that it’s at least an arm’s length away from you. This will reduce eye strain caused by constantly refocusing on nearby objects.
If you’re using a laptop or tablet, consider investing in a stand that raises the height of your device to eye level, so that you can avoid hunching over and straining your neck muscles.
Don’t skip eye tests
When was the last time you had an eye test? If it’s been more than a year, it’s time to schedule one. Eye tests are crucial for maintaining good eye health and catching any potential problems early on.
Even if you don’t wear glasses or contacts, regular eye exams can detect issues like glaucoma and cataracts. These conditions often have no symptoms in their early stages, so an eye exam is necessary for proper diagnosis.
Skipping on eye tests can have serious consequences, especially if you spend lots of time in front of your computer. Untreated vision problems not only affect your eyesight but also impact your overall quality of life. Poor vision can cause headaches and fatigue, and even affect your ability to perform everyday tasks.
By now, you should have a good idea of how to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of screen time. Whether it’s wearing blue light glasses, taking breaks, adjusting your screen settings, or maintaining the right distance from your device, these tips can alleviate eye strain and other issues caused by prolonged exposure to screens.
Note that protecting your eyes is not a one-time event but rather an ongoing process. Make sure you don’t skip out on regular eye tests with an optometrist and continue practicing good habits even when you’re away from the digital world. After all, our eyes are precious and we need them for life-long use!