Protect Your Eyes From Too Much Screen Time
Acuity Eye Center Lahore Pakistan and the American Academy of Ophthalmology offer tips to avoid dry, strained eyes.
A recent study found that the average office worker spends 1,700 hours per year in front of a computer screen. And that doesn’t include our addiction to phones and other digital devices. All this screen time has led to an increase in complaints of eye strain, dry eye, headaches and insomnia. During Workplace Eye Wellness Month in March, Acuity Eye Center Lahore Pakistan and the American Academy of Ophthalmology are offering tips to desk workers everywhere whose eyes may need relief from too much screen time.
Why does computer use strain the eyes more than reading print material? Mainly because people tend to blink less while using computers. Focusing the eyes on computer screens or other digital displays has been shown to reduce a person’s blink rate by a third to a half, which tends to dry out the eyes. We also tend to view digital devices at less-than-ideal distances or angles.
You don’t need to buy expensive computer glasses to get relief. In fact, a study published last month concluded that blue light filters are no more effective at reducing the symptoms of digital eye strain than a neutral filter.
Instead, try altering your environment with these simple tips
- Keep your distance:
The eyes actually have to work harder to see close up than far away. Try keeping the monitor or screen at arm’s length, about 25 inches away. Position the screen so your eye gaze is slightly downward.
- Reduce glare: Glass screens can produce glare that can aggravate the eye. Try using a matte screen filter.
- Adjust lighting:
If a screen is much brighter than the surrounding light, your eyes have to work harder to see. Adjust your room lighting and try increasing the contrast on your screen to reduce eye strain.
- Give your eyes a break:
Remember to blink and follow the 20-20-20 rule. Take a break every 20 minutes by looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Looking into the distance allows your eyes to relax.
کمپیوٹر کا استعمال کرنے والوں کے لیے پیغام
ہر20منٹ بعد،20سیکنڈ کے لیے اسکرین سے نظر ہٹائیں
ڈاکٹر ضیاء المظہری نے آنکھوں کی حفاظت سے متعلق بتایا ،’’ نامناسب طرزِزندگی کے باعث بچّوں اور بڑوں کی کثیر تعداد امراضِ چشم کا شکار ہورہی ہے۔ایک صحت مند فرد40سال کی عُمر کے بعدہر سال کسی مستند ماہرِ امراض چشم سے اپنی آنکھوں کا لازمی معائنہ کروائے۔اگر آنکھوں کے امراض کی فیملی ہسٹری ہو،تو پھر معائنہ اور بھی ضروری ہوجاتا ہے۔ کم روشنی میں پڑھنے سے گریز کیا جائے، جب کہ سگریٹ نوشی سے پرہیز ضروری ہے۔ جہاں تک خوراک کا تعلق ہے، تو ہری سبزیاں، گاجر، پالک، بندگوبھی، مچھلی، سونف، نظر کی تقویت کا باعث بنتی ہیں۔ انڈے، مونگ پھلی، پھلیاں، لیموں اور دوسرے ترش پھل بھی بہت مفید ہیں۔
- Keep eyes moist:
Keep artificial tears at hand to help lubricate your eyes when they feel dry. Consider using a desktop humidifier. Office buildings have humidity-controlled environments that suck moisture out of the air. In winter, heaters on high can further dry your eyes.
- Stop using devices before bed:
There is evidence that blue light may affect the body’s circadian rhythm, and our natural wake and sleep cycle. During the day, blue light wakes us up and stimulates us. So, too much blue light exposure late at night from your phone or other devices may make it harder to get to sleep. Limit screen time to one to two hours before bedtime. Use nighttime settings on devices and computers that minimize blue light exposure.
“Eyestrain can be frustrating. But it usually isn’t serious and goes away once you rest your eyes or take other steps to reduce your eye discomfort,” said Dianna L. Seldomridge, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “If these tips don’t work for you, you may have an underlying eye problem, such as eye muscle imbalance or uncorrected vision, which can cause or worsen computer eyestrain.”
Here is the message of our Lead Consultant Professor Dr Zia Ul Mazhry
Due to inappropriate lifestyles, many children and adults are suffering from Eye deceases. A healthy person should have his eye checked every year after the age of 40 by an authorized Ophthalmologist if there is a family history of eye diseases. Inspection becomes even more important. Avoid reading in low light, while Quitting smoking is a must. As far as food is concerned, green vegetables, carrots, spinach, cabbage, fish, and fennel, strengthen eyesight. Eggs, peanuts, beans, lemons, and other Citrus fruits are also very useful.
Those experiencing consistently dry red eyes or eye pain should visit an ophthalmologist or a medical and surgical eye care physician.
About the American Academy of Ophthalmology
The Academy is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. A global community of 32,000 medical doctors, it protects sight and empowers lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for its patients and the public. The Academy innovates to advance the profession and to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality eye care. Through its EyeSmart® articles on AAO.org, the Academy provides the public with the most trusted information about eye health. For more information, visit aao.org.
About Eye Health Education By Acuity Eye Center Lahore Pakistan:
Welcome to the Education Portal of Acuity Eye Centre Lahore Pakistan. We are committed to serving our patients and our community, to the development and propagation of new concepts to preserve and enhance vision. Our three missions—clinical service, education, and research—are closely interrelated. Visit: https://eyeacuity.com/education/
