We currently live in a world where we can hardly operate without our mobile phones and laptops. Our school, job, or university commitments demand us to utilize these gadgets; nonetheless, the hazardous blue light they generate may be damaging to our health, particularly our eyes. Knowing how to protect ourselves from this dangerous exposure is a critical step in ensuring that, despite spending so much time in front of these gadgets, our health is not harmed. As a result, here are some measures to help you avoid being exposed to blue light.
Blue Light Glasses
Regular pauses from your computer or mobile phone may not always be enough to keep your eyes from straining. Consider investing in a set of computer glasses or blue-light-blocking glasses to protect yourself if your eyes are extremely sensitive or if you work on computers for lengthy periods. Their unique lenses reduce digital eye strain by blocking the damaging blue light. The folks at Block Blue Light recommend investing in a pair of these glasses, which can assist in relaxing the eyes and minimizing eye strain while working. These glasses can also assist with frequent headaches and disrupted sleep patterns, both of which are symptoms of digital eye strain.
What Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain Should Be Aware of?
Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, can manifest in various symptoms. Being aware of these signs is crucial for maintaining eye health in our digital age. Here are common symptoms to watch out for:
- Eye Fatigue: Feeling tired or heavy eyes after extended screen time.
- Headaches: Persistent headaches, often starting around the forehead or temples.
- Dry Eyes: Itchy, red, or dry eyes due to reduced blinking while staring at screens.
- Blurred Vision: Difficulty focusing, leading to temporary blurred vision.
- Neck and Shoulder Pain: A strain on the eyes can cause tension in the neck and shoulders.
- Difficulty in Refocusing: Trouble switching focus between screens and other objects.
To alleviate digital eye strain, take regular breaks, follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds), and ensure your screen is at eye level.
Adjust the Light
The intensity of light surrounding you, as well as the brightness of the screen you’re looking at, can put a lot of strain on your eyes. To that end, understanding how to adjust the light levels in the room where you work and spend a lot of time in front of your computer is critical for eye protection. To that end, when working in a dark environment, for example, you should lower the brightness of your screen, and when working in light areas, you should boost it. Your eyes and eye muscles will be relaxed as a result and instantly ensure that your eyes are not suffering a lot of pressure.
Consult Your Doctor
You should be cautious when it comes to your eyes, as with everything else in your health, because they are quite sensitive, especially given our continual exposure to digital and blue light in today’s world. Regular check-ups with an expert doctor who will ensure that your eyes are in good health and will help you avoid illnesses or chronic disorders are an important step to take. Your eye doctor can assist you in selecting the appropriate glasses or contact lenses for your needs. Be diligent and don’t spend your entire day staring at a screen; instead, take frequent breaks to rest from using your devices.
This is sound advice, not only for your eyes but for your whole health. Long periods of sitting may be detrimental to your back, posture, and weight. To avoid the negative consequences of extended sitting, take advantage of these opportunities to stretch and walk around your room or office.
Take Care of Your Diet
Vitamin C is not only good for keeping you healthy, but it is also good for your eyes. It helps avoid cataracts and reduces macular degeneration. Furthermore, vitamin A aids in the improvement of night vision. Vitamin A is found in abundance in oranges, carrots, and potatoes, so make sure you eat lots of these. Omega 3 fats are also an excellent component to include in your daily diet since they have a favorable impact on your vision.
Drink a Lot of Water
Drinking water is, of course, the most obvious piece of advice anybody can offer you, not only for the health of your eyes but for your whole physical and mental well-being. Drinking enough water regularly will help you prevent dehydration, which can cause your eyes to become dry and more vulnerable to dust and other dangerous particles. Furthermore, suppose your eyes are frequently exposed to blue light rays. In that case, drinking enough water will undoubtedly help protect them and improve tear production, ensuring that your eyes remain hydrated and healthy in the first place.
Another piece of advice to keep your eyes moist is to use eye drops, such as artificial tears, and humidifiers to help keep your eyes from being too dry and sore while using blue-light-emitting equipment.
20-20-20 Rule
You have probably already heard of the 20-20-20 tip. If you have not, it goes like this: make a pause every 20 minutes when using a computer or equipment that generates blue light to focus on an item that is roughly 20 feet away. Before returning to your job, focus on that thing for at least 20 seconds in order to relax your eye muscles.
This information will help you take the necessary precautions to protect your eyes from blue light exposure while also maintaining your overall health.
