What Your Screen Time Means For Your Eyesight

In an age of tech triumphs, online school and remote work it is hard to find a person who doesn’t have their eyes locked on a cell phone, computer or tablet.

These devices are essential to our daily life; keeping us connected to one another and on top of our responsibilities. However, all this time online can have drastic effects on your eyesight.

What is Screen Time?

Both Apple and Android users have access to a screen time feature in settings. This setting gives insight to the total amount of time people spend on their phones. It tracks time spent on social media, entertainment and fitness apps, texting and phone calls. The Apple feature also breaks down screen time into a daily average and shows which apps users spend the most time on. Over the past five years screen time has continued to increase. The global average for adult screen time is 6 hours and 58 minutes per day. This number is even larger for college students and working professionals who rely on their devices for work and entertainment.

Effects of Screen Time?

The effects of screen time are significant as time spent on devices increases. Increased time online can lead to dry eyes and eye strain. This is especially increased when reading or typing long documents or using your laptop or mobile phone in the dark. It is also proven that the eyes don’t naturally blink as often when looking at a screen. Blinking is what helps protect the surface of the eye and cleans the surface with fresh tears. Looking at a screen all day long also increases the likelihood of eye fatigue. In many individuals this can cause blurred vision, seeing double, nausea and headaches.

How to Reduce Screen Time problems?

Reducing time on your phone and laptop is the easiest way to minimize the way screen light impacts your eyes. However, it is not always possible to disconnect completely from your screen. Some great ways to minimize these effects are:

• Turn your device on night mode or dark theme when looking at your screen at night. Additionally, try to limit any unnecessary screen time before going to bed.
• Purchase a pair of blue light glasses that help reduce the damage caused by prolonged exposure to high-energy blue wavelengths.
• Increase the size of text and pages when reading or scrolling online. This helps you see the content easier while reducing eye strain.
• Take intermittent breaks while online. A good rule of thumb is to use the 20/20/20 rule. Keep watch of the clock and around every 20 minutes of screen time take 20 seconds to rest and focus on something at least 20 feet away from you.