Are Devices Bad for your Eyes?
Do you know how many hours you spend viewing screened devices every day? It may be more time than you realize. Time spent video conferencing for work, scrolling social media feeds, playing video games and watching favorite TV shows adds up quickly. So, you may be wondering how much screen time is too much—and whether devices are bad for your eyes. We’re on a mission to simplify eye care. That’s right! The eye health experts at Visionworks are here to explain how electronic devices affect vision health and how you can safeguard your eyes.
Do Devices Damage Eyesight?
Most of us use devices daily including phones, computers, tablets, video games and TV. So, it’s important to know how these devices affect our eyes. Some people are concerned devices can damage eyesight with prolonged use. While too much screen time may cause short-term issues for some, the American Association of Ophthalmology reports that devices have not yet been shown to worsen or damage eyesight. While electronic devices don’t lead to vision damage, that doesn’t mean they won't cause issues for your eyes. Many people experience symptoms of digital eye strain while using their devices—and blue light may be a contributing factor.
What is Blue Light?
Blue light is all around us from the sun outside to the digital devices we interact with daily. Blue light is a range of light with the highest amount of energy in the visible light spectrum, close to ultraviolet light, with a wavelength of 380–460 nanometers. Prolonged exposure to blue light may contribute to digital eye strain.
How are Devices Bad for Your Eyes?
The Effects of Digital Eye Strain
Prolonged use of electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, computers and TVs can cause digital eye strain. Symptoms of digital eye strain include dry eyes, fatigue, headaches, blurred vision and eye twitching. Additionally, working from a computer or device with poor posture can exacerbate digital eye strain.
How to Reduce the Effects of Digital Eye Strain
The 20-20-20 Rule
The 20-20-20 rule states that for every 20 minutes spent working from a computer or device, you should take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away in the distance. Frequent breaks allow your eyes to rest, refocus and rehydrate, reducing the likelihood of digital eye strain and eye fatigue.
Workstation Setup
A proper workstation setup can make work more enjoyable and reduce digital eye strain. Position your computer at arm's length away with the screen at or below eye level to minimize glare and avoid neck strain. Adjust your computer’s brightness level to one that feels comfortable on the eyes. If you wear contacts and frequently experience eye dryness, consider switching to glasses while working on screens.
Blue Light Filtering Glasses
Blue light filtering glasses have increased in popularity over the past decade as people spend more time on devices for work and play. Blue light filtering glasses feature a lens coating that blocks blue light. Many eye care professionals recommend them to people who spend more than six hours in front of a screen daily.
Beat Blue Light
If you are experiencing symptoms of digital eye strain, take steps to beat blue light! Remember to take frequent breaks when working on devices, create a comfortable work area and wear blue light glasses. As always, keep your eye health top of mind with annual vision exams. Finally, make an appointment with your eye doctor at a Visionworks store near you.
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Information received through Visionworks® content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Claims regarding blue light efficiency are supported by manufacturer-provided test results.
