𝑺𝑪𝑹𝑬𝑬𝑵 𝑻𝑰𝑴𝑬 𝑨𝑵𝑫 𝑬𝒀𝑬 𝑯𝑬𝑨𝑳𝑻𝑯

Why do I have this constant eye itch and blurred vision after working on my laptop? my tech friend asked.
How long do you work on your laptop? Do you make use of an anti-blue light lens? I asked in response.

I work for hours, a maximum of 6 hours online. No, I do not use any lenses. He replied.

Alright, it is time for that health talk on your screen time and how it can affect your eyes.

There has been tremendous change in this digital era and as such many people make use of digital gadgets, especially phones, laptops, tablets, PCs, etc. 
Now the continuous use of these gadgets has both benefits and adverse effects.

Many people believe that any bright light (including the sun)
aimed at our eyes can cause permanent damage. 

While the sun produces a wide spectrum of light and ultra-violet (UV) rays which affect the skin and the eyes over time, our modern devices(ranging from light bulbs to tablets) tend to produce blue light.

𝑩𝒍𝒖𝒆 𝑳𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕
This type of light emitted from our devices has short wavelengths and relatively high amounts of energy.
From studies, it is suggested that long-term exposure to blue light through our devices may cause at least some eye harm.
𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝑻𝒆𝒓𝒎 𝑯𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒏
Staring at screens for a long time is known to sometimes cause computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain.

The effect of digital eye strain is the same whether one is using a computer, smartphone, or tablet since they all emit similar rays.

This condition while not serious can still be irritating and even detrimental to one's work.
This can potentially cause:
▪️Painful headaches
▪️Blurred vision
▪️Dry eyes
▪️Eye strain


While computer vision syndrome is always temporary, some people may start to experience lingering problems if this syndrome continues and they do not mitigate their symptoms.

𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞:
This digital eye strain is not just caused by exposure to blue light; it is caused by a combination of factors such as the length of exposure while staring at screens and postures at the computer.

Long-term harm may include impaired retinal cells and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐓𝐎 𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐈𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐔𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐄
•Posture and proper distancing from the computer can help to reduce eye strain. You can take a look at charts and articles online discussing how to properly sit at a computer.

•Ensure to light your workspace properly such that the high level in the room is roughly equal to how much light the screen will be producing.

•Contrasting levels of light, such as looking at a bright screen in a dark room can strain the eyes faster.

•Practice the 20-20-20 rule. This involves:
Take a break every 20 mins or so to stare at an object about 20 feet away for at least 20 secs.
This helps to give the eyes a break from focusing on a bright screen close to you and helps prevent eye strain.

•If the symptoms persist, visit an eye doctor. Also, make use of a prescribed anti-blue light lens.
𝐒𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐊𝐈𝐃𝐒
Excessive screen time is unhealthy for children, as it is linked to issues such as obesity, poor sleep patterns, low self-esteem, and behavioural problems.

Do the following for your children:
•Set up no-device areas like the kitchen, dining room and bedroom, where no one (adults inclusive) can use their devices.
•Put a daily screen time limit and be disciplined about it. Generally, a maximum of 1 to 2 hours is recommended.
•Do not allow devices in the bedroom during sleep time.
•Do not eat in front of screens.
•Watch screens together to promote family bonds and it can also be seen as a family activity rather than a mindless individual one.