Is your head always buried in a smartphone? If yes, then it’s only a matter of time before your vision gets worse or you develop severe eye problems.
Even though you don’t use your smartphone that much, other screens such as laptops at your office also pose a threat to your vision. We know it’s hard to avoid screens when your livelihood depends on them. But, if you care about your vision, you must reduce your screen time.
If you don’t do so, you won’t be facing only digital eye strain but also some vision-threatening consequences as well. The good news is, there are plenty of steps available to help you prevent your eye health. But first, let’s understand what makes digital screens so damaging to your eyes.
What does screen time do to your eyes?
It’s almost impossible to spend even a single day without our smartphones. For some of us, even an hour is more than enough. From your smartphone to the laptop on your desk, each screen plays its part to deteriorate your ocular health.
Even when you are using prescription or reading glasses, the blue waves go straight through the lenses and penetrate your eyes.
All of the screens are filled with artificial blue light. The reason why we are calling it artificial as the natural source is the sun. Yes, blue light is there in the sunlight. But, that isn’t bad at all. On the contrary, the natural blue light is needed by your body and mind to stay awake during the daytime.
Digital eye strain
Blue light is notorious for reducing the contrast and thus makes it difficult for your eyes to shift focus. Since it scatters quite easily on the screen, your eyes will have to deal with the lost contrast. And when they focus hard, they will wear out soon in the process.
This will cause strain in your eyes which is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches and blurry vision. Although these discomforts disappear on their own, they hinder your visual performance.
If you are spending more than 6 hours per day on screens, your eyes are at a higher risk of developing severe problems. Use blue light glasses to reduce the risk. If you want these glasses as fast as possible, go for express glasses that mainly reach you within one business day.
Eye disorders
When your eyes are constantly bombarded with screens, the blue light gets into your eyes and gives the delicate photoreceptor cells a hard time. The tiny light-sensing cells on the retinal wall give in to the blue light and your vision suffers.
Not only this, but blue light also has a way of triggering toxic reactions in the tissues that make your macula. This leads to poor macular health which is a common cause of poor central vision.
This is why it is recommended to use blue light glasses when indulging in screen time. They are made specifically to reduce the impact of blue light on your eyes.
Sleep disorder
People who indulge in excessive screen time often face trouble sleeping at night. Blue light impedes the release of melatonin hormone in your body which is needed for a healthy sleep/wake cycle.
The blue light from your smartphone or laptop tricks your brain into thinking that it is sunlight and you feel more awake than sleepy. This disrupts your circadian rhythm and could even lead to insomnia in some cases.
How to protect your eyes from screen time?
Even though blue light is atrocious, it is not inescapable. There are ways you can protect your eyes while having a great time playing games on your 4K monitor.
Use blue light or gaming glasses that have advanced lenses to filter out blue light. Gaming glasses in the UK are available at cheap prices at online stores.
When using devices for a prolonged amount of time, take timely breaks. It could be short breaks of 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Taking some time off to let your eyes shift focus will reduce the possibility of myopia in the future.
Eat foods that are good for your macular health. Your macula can naturally block the blue light. So the healthier your macula is, the more efficiently it will be able to block the blue waves.
Avoid using screens at night. But, if you work night shifts, make sure you use blue light glasses to protect your eyes.
Make sure you take proper sleep at night. This allows your eyes to heal from the torments of screen time. It also maintains a healthy moisture level in your eyes so you are not bothered by dry eye problems.
Blink your eyes when you stare at a screen. The thin film of tear also acts as a natural roadblock to blue light
Author: I’m Jaylin: Guest post service planner of Leelija and full time blogger. Favorite things include my camera, traveling, caring my fitness, food and my fashion. Email id: [email protected]