How often you stare at a screen matters. On average, Americans spend roughly 10+ hours staring at a computer screen, tablet or cellphone. With the quick ongoing technology advancements in today’s advanced world, these devices are found almost everywhere.
Take a moment to look around you when you’re at home, running some errands at the store, sitting in traffic even – most likely you will find people all around utilizing some form of technology; they even have handheld gaming consoles now.
The screen time itself isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it’s more of the management responsibility of it all to make sure your screen time is used safely and effectively. Managing your screen time wisely helps greatly with the prevention of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) or Digital Eye Strain.
Symptoms of CVS? Indications of Computer Vision Syndrome include blurred vision, dry eyes, eyestrain, neck pain and headaches. Suggestively, these symptoms may be caused by improper viewing distances, poor sitting posture, poor lighting, glare on screen, or even uncorrected vision problems. These symptoms may vary of course, depending on visual abilities, device use, and so forth.
Include these helpful tips to ensure responsible screen time:
- Display Brightness; lower your display brightness to fit your current surroundings lighting. Anti-glare filters are helpful in places with ceiling lights.
- Monitor Position; think about positioning your computer monitor below your eye level and make sure you’re roughly 20-28 inches away from the screen itself. You can also adjust your chair, as needed to fit these guidelines.
- 20-20-20 Rule; a simple trick by the American Optometric Association is to give your eyes a break is to look away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, during this time focus on something that is at least 20 feet away.
- Unplug; make it a point to unplug from your devices each day. Pick a time that works best for you and your schedule and make a promise to yourself to stick to it. Find ways to distract yourself by spending time with those around you or starting up a new hobby.
Whether you need to schedule an annual eye exam or require surgical vision correction to treat cataracts, you can always expect to receive compassionate and comprehensive care at Eye Physicians of North Houston. Contact us today at (281) 893-1760 for more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.