Too much screen time is bad for your eyes and overall health
Photo by Engin Akyurt/Pexels
By now, we’ve become pretty familiar with how important social media is in a time like this. But we also need to be reminded that constant exposure to our gadgets negatively impacts our health.
While we spend so much time looking down on our phones or computers, we become prone to developing bad posture. This excessive time spent on our gadgets takes a toll on our eyes as well.
Eye strain is a common condition people suffer from due to long hours spent reading or using digital devices. While this may be unavoidable given today’s lifestyle, we still need to take extra precautions. Even if studies have shown that eye strain is not an urgent condition, the experience is unpleasant and can cause other discomforts that can distract us from daily life.
Watch out for these symptoms:
- Watery or dry eyes
- Sore, tired or itchy eyes
- Blurred or double vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Difficulty to focus and concentrate
- Difficulty to keep eyes open
- Headaches
When watching television, a softly lit room is easier on the eyes. If reading books or magazines, have a shaded light in front of you or directly face it onto the page
To avoid eye strain, follow these helpful tips and home remedies.
Adjust the lighting
Whether working in front of a screen or reading print material, lighting matters. When watching television, a softly lit room is easier on the eyes. If reading books or magazines, have a shaded light in front of you or directly face it onto the page.
Take eye breaks
Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to help your eyes completely relax
Limit screen time
Excessive hours facing digital devices will cause strain.
Blink more often
People working on their computers tend to forget to blink, thus causing dry eyes.
Improve air quality
Some changes in the thermostat or humidity may help prevent dry eyes. If you smoke, consider quitting because it also has negative effects on your eyes.
Adjust your monitor
Position your computer at arm’s length away and at or just below eye level. This can help improve your posture as well.
Use a document holder
If you need to refer to print material while working on your computer, use a document holder. Some are designed to reduce the need for you to readjust by turning your head and neck less frequently.
If symptoms still persist and you think they’re just getting worse, seek help from a physician as soon as possible. Although it is unavoidable to go online to check on your loved ones and the situation of our community, try doing other things after you check the news instead of scrolling through social media.
You can check out the different fitness classes available online or even hit two birds with one stone by working out while doing daily household chores.