For many of us, some amount of screen time is an inescapable part of our daily lives. However, excessive screen time can lead to eye strain and other vision problems.
To help reduce eye strain, it’s important to break up screen time by looking at distant objects, blinking frequently, and having regular eyesight exams. It’s also a good idea to consider glasses that filter out harmful blue light. Talk to My Eye Doctor Towson today.
Blue Light
The world has become increasingly reliant on electronic devices with digital screens. But many of these screens emit a type of light called blue light, and there is growing concern that too much exposure may cause permanent eye damage. Blue light is a specific wavelength of electromagnetic radiation that is the brightest in the visible spectrum. It is the same type of light that makes the sky look blue during the day and sunsets appear pink, orange, or red at night. It is also emitted by LED lights used in modern digital devices, such as computers and smartphones.
Studies have shown that the short-wavelength blue and violet light emitted by these digital devices can damage delicate retinal cells in the back of the eye. This is referred to as phototoxicity. These retinal cells convert light into information that the brain can interpret, and their damage can lead to vision problems such as macular degeneration. In addition, blue light can increase the sensitivity of the ocular surface and exacerbate dry eyes.
Blue light is especially problematic for people who spend long periods in front of a screen. It can interfere with the body’s production of melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone, which can delay or interrupt the sleep cycle. It can also contribute to glare and blurred vision, as well as headaches and migraines.
Computer glasses with blue-light filters can help reduce the negative effects of this type of light. These lenses filter out the specific wavelengths that are most harmful to the eyes, without affecting the brightness of the screen or its ability to be seen. Some studies have found that generic lenses that filter out blue light improve visual comfort, as they increase contrast and reduce eye strain.
However, AAO doesn’t recommend the use of blue-light filters because there isn’t enough evidence that they reduce digital eye strain or prevent vision loss. The AAO does recommend that people who use these devices take breaks frequently to view objects at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds and use artificial tears or eye drops to keep the eyes hydrated.
Glare
Many factors contribute to eye discomfort and vision problems, including glare. The problem can arise from direct light sources like sunlight or headlights as well as from light reflecting off a flat surface, such as water or snow, or a screen on a computer or phone. Some people are particularly sensitive to light and may experience glare even when the source of the glare is not directly in their line of sight. This condition is called photophobia or abnormal light intolerance.
The impact of glare can be serious, especially when it comes to driving at night and working in an office. Studies have found that glare can decrease productivity and lead to a variety of health problems, from backache and neck pain to fatigue, sleep issues, and headaches.3
In the case of driving, glare can reduce visibility, leading to decreased safety and potentially dangerous situations. In addition, glare on screens can cause headaches, eye strain, and decreased concentration. These symptoms can lead to decreased productivity at work and can even increase absenteeism.
When we spend large amounts of time staring at digital screens, glare can also affect our eyes in other ways, which is why wearing sunglasses that block UV rays is important. This will prevent the harmful UV rays from reaching your eyes, which can contribute to macular degeneration and cataracts.
When choosing a pair of sunglasses, it’s essential to make sure they are polarised, as this will help to prevent UV rays from entering your eyes. It’s also important to choose sunglasses that are rated as UV400, which ensures they offer adequate protection against damaging UV rays. At Banton Frameworks, all our frames are rated as UV40 or UV400, so you can rest assured your eyes will be protected. You don’t have to sacrifice style to keep your eyes safe – our frames are both stylish and comfortable.
UV Rays
We’re all aware that prolonged exposure to UV rays increases the risk of sunburn and skin cancer, but did you know that UV rays can also negatively affect your eyes? Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion accessory, they’re an essential tool for protecting your eyes. UV rays are present year-round and can cause damage to your eyes and vision in the same way that they can harm your skin.
According to AAO, UV radiation can penetrate the clear cornea of your eye, which allows it to absorb rays. This can lead to a condition known as photokeratitis, which feels like a bad sunburn on your eyes. Symptoms include red, gritty-feeling eyes, extreme light sensitivity, and tears. This is usually a temporary problem, but over time, it can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration.
UV rays can be directly emitted from the sun or bounced off of water, snow, sand, and other bright surfaces. They can also be emitted from artificial sources such as welding equipment and photographic flood lamps. Fortunately, the ozone layer blocks UV-C rays from reaching the Earth’s surface.
In addition to causing photokeratitis, UV rays can also lead to ocular surface growths known as pinguecula and pterygium, which can be annoying and reduce the quality of your vision. They may also accelerate the progression of cataracts.
The AAO recommends that you look for sunglasses that provide a minimum of 100% UV protection. You should also be sure to wear a hat and cover as much of your body as possible with clothing whenever you spend time outside. When choosing sunglasses, larger frames with wraparound styles offer more coverage, limiting the amount of indirect UV radiation that enters your eyes. In addition, polarized lenses can help filter out reflected UV rays that would otherwise reach your eyes. These types of lenses can be particularly helpful for those who work outdoors, such as welders or medical technologists, or play sports that take place on the beach or in the water. Polarized lenses are also recommended for driving, as they can improve depth perception and reduce glare that can make it difficult to see.
Comfort
While many individuals have expressed concern over the amount of time they are spending in front of screens, it’s not as clear-cut as you may think. Instead of simply reducing screen time, it is important to monitor patterns of use and make adjustments to reduce discomfort or damage.
One common problem associated with long periods of screen time is eyestrain. This is often caused by brightness and glare, so it’s important to consider using a screen cover or matte filter. It’s also a good idea to take regular breaks by following the 20-20-20 rule, which recommends that every 20 minutes you look away from your screen and focus on something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a chance to refresh and prevents fatigue.
In addition to eyestrain, long periods of staring at a screen can lead to dry eye syndrome, which is characterized by itchy, watery eyes. This can be caused by environmental factors, such as a dry climate, or it may be due to an improperly fitted eyeglass prescription. Regardless of the cause, it’s important to keep a bottle of artificial tears on hand to help combat dryness and irritation.
Another issue resulting from excessive screen time is myopia, which is characterized by blurred vision at distances and sharp focus up close. Myopia can also be exacerbated by the increased use of digital devices, making it important to limit screen time and encourage outdoor activities.
Sunglasses can be a great way to protect your eyes from UV rays, and they come in a variety of styles to suit any lifestyle. However, it’s important to make sure that your sunglasses are rated 100 percent UVA and UVB to provide the best protection possible. Additionally, it’s a good idea to choose a darker tint, such as brown or amber, because this helps to cut through glare and enhances colors.
While it’s unrealistic to completely cut out screen time, limiting it and encouraging family members to spend more time outdoors can help to prevent short-term damage to the eyes. Individuals should also follow the 20-20-20 rule, take regular breaks, and use blue-light-filtering glasses or screen covers to minimize the harmful effects of too much screen time.