In today’s society, screens play an increasingly important role. From smartphones and tablets to computers and TVs, we spend hours each day staring at them. While digital devices can be incredibly useful, too much screen time can take a toll on your eyes. Many people suffer from eye discomfort after spending a long day scrolling or working on their computers. In this blog, we’ll discuss how too much screen time affects your eyes and what you can do to protect your vision.
What is digital eye strain?
One of the most common effects of too much screen time is digital eye strain (also known as computer vision syndrome). This happens when your eyes are forced to work harder to focus on the screen for long periods. Digital devices often have small text, bright screens, and glare, making your eyes feel tired, dry, and uncomfortable.
Some symptoms of digital eye strain include:
- Blurred vision
- Dry or irritated eyes
- Headaches
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Difficulty focusing
Why screens are hard on your eyes
Unlike printed books or magazines, digital screens can be more difficult for your eyes to focus on for a few reasons:
- Glare and reflections from the screen make it harder for your eyes to see clearly.
- Blue light emitted by digital screens can make your eyes feel more tired. It can also affect your sleep if you spend too much time on screens before bed.
- Frequent focus changes, like switching between reading small text and looking at distant objects, can cause eye strain. Your eyes constantly adjust to different viewing distances, which can be exhausting.
How to protect your eyes from too much screen time
While it’s hard to avoid screens entirely, there are several things you can do to make screen time easier on your eyes:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away to help your eyes relax and reduce strain.
- Adjust your screen settings: Increase the text size on your device to make it easier to read. Also, reduce screen brightness and use a matte screen filter to minimize glare.
- Blink more often: It’s easy to forget to blink when you’re focused on a screen. Make a conscious effort to blink more, which can help keep your eyes moist and reduce dryness.
- Use proper lighting: Avoid sitting in the dark with only your screen lighting the room. Ensure your room is well-lit to reduce the contrast between your screen and the background.
ZEISS Digital Lenses: A solution for screen fatigue
At Valley Eye Care Associates in Fort Kent, Maine, we offer ZEISS Digital Lenses as part of our commitment to helping you maintain healthy, comfortable vision. ZEISS Digital Lenses are ideal for anyone who spends a lot of time using digital devices. These lenses are designed to provide more relaxed and comfortable vision for people who frequently switch between screens and other tasks. With ZEISS Digital Lenses, you’ll experience less eye strain and discomfort, making it easier to focus on your work or enjoy your favorite shows.
In conclusion, your eyes work hard every day, especially with all the screen time we experience. To learn more about ZEISS Digital Lenses and how they can help you, schedule an appointment at Valley Eye Care Associates. We offer high-quality lenses and a range of eyewear in Fort Kent to meet your unique vision needs. We’ll help you find the best solutions so you can enjoy your screen time without discomfort!