Screens have become an integral part of our everyday lives. The average adult spends more than 6 hours a day in front of a screen, which accounts for almost a third of our active lives.
According to British optometrist Shahina Pardhan, who heads the Vision and Eye Research Institute at Anglia Ruskin University, the main problem lies in the strain on the eye muscles. When we look at a digital screen up close, our eyes have to focus at a short distance, which requires muscular strength, causing the ciliary muscle of the eye to work. With prolonged use, especially as we age, this muscle can become fatigued, negatively affecting our well-being.
Five scientific tips for protecting your vision:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away (6 meters) for at least 20 seconds.
- Optimize your workspace. Keep the screen at eye level, avoid glare from bright lighting.
- Blink more often, especially when you are glued to screens.
- Use blue light filters.
- Use devices more mindfully.
Pardhan also recommends humidifying the air in your room with a humidifier or even a simple bowl of water, especially when using central heating or air conditioning. These simple tips can help protect your vision in a world full of screens and give your eyes the necessary rest.
In today's world, where we spend more and more time in front of gadget screens, following simple tips to protect vision becomes extremely important. Efforts to maintain eye health can help prevent fatigue, irritation, and other issues associated with prolonged gadget use.