Do you spend the workday looking at a computer? Is your favorite way to unwind watching TV?
While these are some of the activities we do all the time, we don’t always think about if using screens constantly is safe. Keep reading to learn about how much screen time is safe for your eyes!
Screen Addiction
Many teens and adults admit that they are addicted to their phones. While you may think that you don’t spend a lot of time on your phone, you do.
It’s probably a lot more time than you think you do too. Many Americans spend hundreds of minutes every day looking at screens. This is more than most people sleep! Relying on our devices is clearly a problem.
Too Much Time Indoors
This point primarily relates to kids more than adults. Kids that use screens a lot spend more of their time indoors.
Being outside is so important for kids’ developing eyes. Playing outside is an important part of your general health.
Kids that spend more time indoors have a higher chance of developing nearsightedness. There is a believed connection between UV rays and healthy eye development.
Eye Tiredness and Fatigue
For adults and kids, eye fatigue is a huge problem related to screen time. We need to give our eyes a break from looking at things for a long time.
We tend to lose track of time when we become focused on something. It is important to remember that even our eyes get tired.
Your eyes are more likely to get tired when they are focusing on something for a long time. This is especially true if you’re in bad lighting or there’s glare coming off your screen. This can all cause strain and tire out your eyes.
Dry Eyes
Looking at a screen for a long time also causes dry and irritated eyes. When you look at a screen for too long, you blink less.
This dries your eyes out. Your eyes have a clear film on the surface that is necessary for clear vision.
If you’re not blinking enough, your eyes can’t stay lubricated. This is one of the things that can lead to chronic dry eye.
Distance Changes
For kids, it can be difficult to adjust from close-up activities like looking at a screen to looking far away. This is typically a short-term problem.
Your child’s eyes should go back to normal after a few hours or days.
Sleep Problems
A lot of screens are backlit and give off a blue light. Too much blue light exposure can lead to eye irritation and potential retina damage.
Blue lights are also known to hold back the sleep hormone, melatonin, making you think you’re wide awake. This can add to eye strain.
To help avoid the effects of screen time, most professionals recommend a time limit. The recommended time limit is the 20-20-20 rule.
Every 20 minutes that you look at a screen, you should look away. You should then look at an object that’s at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This will help your eye muscles relax.
Are you ready to get your eyes checked? To keep your eyes healthy while you use all your different devices, make sure to get regular eye exams.
Schedule an appointment at Loden Vision Centers in Nashville, TN today! Your eyes will be happy you did!
