Does Eyesight Get Worse With Screen Time?

Have you ever wondered if your eyes are getting worse because of too much screen time? In the digital age, screens are everywhere. You use them for work, school, and fun. But all this screen time can make you worry about your eyes.

The Basics of Vision

To understand how screens affect your eyes, you need to know a bit about vision. Your eyes focus light onto the retina, which sends signals to the brain. The brain then creates the images you see. This process works best when you look at things from afar. But screens are usually close to your eyes, which can strain them.

Screen Time and Eye Strain

One common problem with screen time is eye strain. Eye strain happens when your eyes get tired from too much use. You might feel pain, dryness, or blurred vision. This is called Digital Eye Strain (DES) or Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). It is not just from computers. Phones, tablets, and TVs can also cause eye strain.

Why Do Screens Cause Eye Strain?

Close Distance: You often look at screens close to your face. This makes your eye muscles work harder.
Blinking Less: When you focus on screens, you blink less. Blinking keeps your eyes moist. Less blinking can lead to dryness.
Blue Light: Screens emit blue light, which can interfere with sleep and possibly harm your eyes.

Effects of Blue Light

Blue light from screens can reach deep into the eye. Some studies suggest it might damage the retina over time. However, the evidence is not conclusive. Blue light also affects your sleep. It can trick your brain into thinking it is daytime, making it hard to fall asleep. Using screens before bed can lead to poor sleep quality.

Children and Screen Time

Children are spending more time on screens than ever before. Their eyes are still developing, so they might be more vulnerable to screen effects. Some studies show a link between screen time and nearsightedness (myopia) in children. Kids who spend more time indoors and on screens might have a higher risk of developing myopia.

Tips to Protect Your Eyes

Look away from your screen regularly. Every 20 minutes, focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This simple habit relaxes your eyes. Blink often to keep your eyes moist because screen use tends to reduce blinking.

Position screens at eye level, an arm’s length away. This setup reduces strain. Cut down on glare with anti-glare screens or adjusted lighting. Less glare means more comfort. Finally, activate blue light filters on your devices, especially at night. These filters ease eye strain.

Healthy Habits for Better Vision

Limit Screen Time: Limit screen time, especially for children.
Outdoor Activities: Spend more time outdoors. Natural light is good for your eyes.
Regular Eye Checkups: Visit your eye doctor regularly to check your vision and eye health.
Proper Lighting: Ensure your room has proper lighting to avoid straining your eyes.

By understanding how screens affect your eyes and taking steps to protect your vision, you can enjoy your devices without harm. Remember to give your eyes regular breaks, blink often, and follow good habits to keep your eyes healthy.

For more eye care information, visit Thrive Eye + Optical at our Dallas, Texas, office. Call (214)730-5502 to schedule an appointment today.

Sources:

www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/computer-usage

www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/risk/screen-time.html