How Screen Time Affects Your Eyes
Did you know that the average North American spends almost 7.5 hours a day looking at screens? That’s over 400 minutes staring at what many believe to be eye-damaging blue light. Many optometrists describe the eyes as the windows to our bodies, showing signs of potentially life-threatening health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes. The staff at Maple Ridge Eye Care is dedicated to keeping you healthy and believes that begins with your eyes.
The Effects of Overexposure to Blue Light
From work laptops to our smartphones and Netflix binges, we spend a great deal of time with digital devices. While many of us will never feel the effects, recent studies reveal that over 50 percent of people who work in front of a computer will develop a condition called digital eye strain. Because blue light has a wavelength of 380-500 nm, it is the shortest energy wavelength visible to the human eye. These high-energy wavelengths penetrate much deeper into the eyes than a normal wavelength, creating a glaring effect. The glare causes eye strain, which exhibits itself in a number of different symptoms including:
- Dry eye
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Itchy eyes
- Red eyes
- Blurred or double vision
How to Lessen the Effects of Screen Time
While the damage to your eyes from screens isn’t permanent, patients are encouraged to follow these tips to ensure that symptoms don’t worsen over time.
- Follow the “20-20-20” rule - Shift your eyes every 20 minutes to something 20 feet away for a minimum of 20 seconds.
- If the air in your workspace is dry, consider investing in a humidifier.
- To reduce glare, invest in a matte screen filter for your computer screen.
- Remind yourself to blink regularly.
- When your eyes start to feel irritated, dry, heavy, or tired, try using moisturizing drops.
Looking for an Optometrist in Maple Ridge?
Whether you’re concerned about the effects of screen time on your eyes or simply need a routine eye exam, we have the solution for you. Call (604) 463-4469 or schedule an appointment online today.