07-Sep-2023
In our screen-filled world, screens are our constant companions. We use screens for work, to have fun, and to stay connected with our lives. We're surrounded by screens like phones, computers, tablets, gaming devices, and smart TVs, and all that
screen time can make our eyes feel tired and uncomfortable.
Moreover, lots of us have jobs where we have to look at
computer screens for a long time, and this can really tire out our eyes. It's called,
"computer vision syndrome" and it covers eye problems like near-sightedness (myopia), dry eyes, and eye strain.
Computer vision syndrome or CVS, also called digital eye strain or
computer eye strain, can make your eyes and vision feel not so good. It might give you problems like tired eyes, headaches, blurry vision, and red eyes. Myopia,
on the other hand, is when you can't see things far away very clearly, and it's also known as near-sightedness or short-sightedness.
This can happen to people of all ages, but it can be especially tough for young adults who've had myopia since they were kids or teenagers. In India, 8.5% of urban kids and 6.1% of rural kids had myopia. A recent AIIMS study found that over 13% of school-going children in India now have myopia, with the number doubling in the last decade due to excessive use of screens of tablets and smartphones.
From Baby Gadgets to Teen Screen Time
Do you know? Children as young as 6 months old are already using fancy digital gadgets such as their parent's tablets and smartphones! And when they become teenagers, they're spending almost
7 hours a day glued to screens. Yes, that's a lot of screen time spent either watching TV, playing computer games or hanging out on social media. Sometimes, they get so caught up in the fun that they continue until their eyes are tired, and they might even rub them due to exhaustion.
This doesn't even take into account the extra time kids spend on screens at school and doing homework.
Troubles from Too Much Screen Time
Spending excessive screen time can indeed lead to various eye-related problems like:- Dry and Irritated Eyes - The "Desert Eyes" Scenario
- Imagine your eyes turning into a desert, all dry and scratchy. That's what too much screen use can feel like, and your eyes want an oasis. If you're facing challenges related to this issue, we highly recommend reaching out to an
Online Eye Doctor for expert assistance.
Myopia - The "Up Close Champ" Syndrome
- Myopia turns your eyes into champions for seeing up close, but they struggle when it's time to look far away, like a ninja who's great in one area but not so much in another.
Eye Strain - The "Tired Eye" Feels
- Think of your eyes like tired little muscles. Staring at screens for too long makes them ache, just like your legs after a long hike.
Loss of Focus Flexibility - The "Stuck on One Thing" Situation
- It's like being stuck in a game and not being able to move to the next level.
Your eyes can get stuck focusing on one thing, and it's hard to change gears.
Computer Vision Syndrome - The "Screen-Time Boss"
- This happens when screens dominate your day. It's a condition collectively referred to as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), encompassing various
eye problems caused by prolonged computer use.
Screen Time vs. Sleep and Health: What You Need to Know?
Sleep Suffering: Too much screen time before bed can mess up your sleep. Screens emit a type of light that tells your brain it's still daytime, making it hard to fall asleep. Keep screens away at least an hour before bedtime
for better sleep.Body Clock Confusion: Screens can confuse your body clock, making it think it's daytime when it's not. This messes with your natural rhythms and can lead to sleep problems and even health issues.
Overall Health Hit: When sleep goes bad, your health can take a hit. Poor sleep can affect your mood, concentration, and even your
body's ability to fight off illnesses.So, if you want good sleep and
good health, try to give screens a rest before bedtime. Your body and mind will thank you!
Are Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses Effective in Reducing Eye Strain during Prolonged Screen Use?
Blue-light-blocking glasses also known as computer glasses can be helpful for reducing
eye strain when using screens for extended periods. Some studies suggest they may also improve sleep quality for individuals with self-reported insomnia, though their effectiveness for those with normal sleep patterns is less clear.
Moreover, claims about these glasses protecting retinal health lack strong evidence. Ultimately, it's a good idea to choose blue-light blocking coatings if they make your screen time more comfortable, but don't rely on them for all-encompassing eye and sleep benefits.
Want to Save Your Eyes from Screen-Related Strain? Follow These 3 Simple Rules
1. The Elbow Rule: Keep it at arm's length! Make sure there's an elbow-to-wrist distance between your eyes and the screen. This helps prevent myopia and reduces
eye strain.2. The 20/20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break. During those 20 seconds, gaze at something far away. It relaxes your
eye muscles after up-close screen time, preventing eye strain and myopia.
3. The Two-Hour Rule: For leisure screen time (not work or study), try to limit it to less than 2 hours a day. It's a healthy balance for
your eyes and overall well-being.If you're still experiencing discomfort from excessive screen time, contact an online Eye Doctor through
MetaHealth Cover for assistance in addressing your eye issues.
Here Are Some Extra Tips -
Eyes SOS: Saving Your Eyes from Screen Time Struggles!
Start With Your Screen Setup
- Dim the Lights: Imagine you're setting the mood for a cozy movie night. Lower your screen's brightness and contrast to reduce glare. Don't forget to turn on your device's night light mode to reduce blue light,
making your screen easier on the eyes. - Get the Right Size: Adjust the display size and resolution to make everything comfy and easy to read, just like finding the right shoe size for your feet.
Eye Exams - For Screen Bugs
- Eye Doctor Time: Regular eye tests are like checkups with an eye specialist doctor . They help spot any of these computer eye problems before they can cause trouble.
- Prevent, Don't Wait: Remember, it's cooler to prevent problems than to deal with them later. Eye checkups are your secret weapon for keeping your superhero eyes healthy and strong.
Final Verdicts
Many wonder about healthy screen time limits for our eyes. Regardless of screen hours, remember to take regular breaks to protect your eye health.
Disclaimer
The above write-up is for educational purposes only and is not a substitution for professional medical advice. 
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