Screen Time Blues: Protecting Your Eyes in the Digital Age

Remember the days when screen time just meant catching up on your favourite show? Now, with phones, laptops, tablets, and TVs, our eyes are glued to screens all day! This digital world brings us closer and keeps us informed, but it can also lead to eye strain and discomfort.

Here at Madurai Eye Center (MEC), one of Coimbatore’s leading eye hospitals, we see this a lot. We call it Digital Eye Strain (DES), and it’s pretty common for people who spend a lot of time looking at screens.

Ever felt this after a long screen session?

• Blurry vision – like the world won’t come into focus.
• Headaches – a throbbing pain that puts a damper on your day.
• Burning eyes – ouch! Like there’s sand trapped under your eyelids.

These are classic signs of DES.

Why does this happen?

• Blinking Less: When we focus on screens, we blink less. Blinking keeps our eyes lubricated, so less blinking can lead to dryness and irritation.
• Eye Muscle Fatigue: Our eyes constantly adjust focus to see things clearly at different distances. Staring at close-up screens for long periods strains these muscles, making them tired.
• Blue Light Blues: Screens emit blue light, which affects our sleep cycle. Too much exposure can contribute to eye strain and fatigue.

Don’t worry, there are ways to fight back!

• 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look away for 20 seconds at something 20 feet (6 meters) away. This gives your eyes a break and helps them refocus.
• Adjust Screen Settings: Lower the brightness and adjust the contrast for a comfortable viewing experience.
• Night Mode Magic: Use the “night shift” or “night light” features on your devices. These reduce blue light emission in the evenings, helping you sleep better and potentially reducing eye strain.
• Bigger is Better: Increase the font size on your screens. This reduces eye fatigue caused by excessive focusing on tiny text.
• Eye Exercises: Simple exercises like rolling your eyes, squeezing your eyelids shut, and then opening them wide can improve blood circulation and relaxation in your eyes.

Don’t slouch, it matters!

• Posture is Key: Sit up straight and maintain good posture.
• Eye Level is Best: Position your screen at arm’s length (around 20-28 inches) away from your eyes and slightly below eye level. This prevents neck and shoulder strain, which can indirectly contribute to eye discomfort.

Taking care of your eyes goes beyond screen time:

• Regular Eye Exams: Schedule eye check-ups with an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) at MEC. Early detection and management of underlying eye conditions can significantly reduce the risk of complications arising from excessive screen time.
• Blink More Often: Be mindful and blink more frequently to keep your eyes lubricated.
• Artificial Tears for Dry Eyes: Artificial tears can provide temporary relief from dryness and irritation, especially in dry environments or during extended screen time.

Live comfortably in a digital world!

Technology is a part of our lives, but that doesn’t mean we have to suffer for it! By incorporating these simple tips, we can navigate the digital age while protecting our precious eyesight. Remember, healthy eyes are an investment in your overall well-being.

Madurai Eye Center: Your Eye Care Partner in Coimbatore

At MEC, we are dedicated to providing advanced eye care solutions and patient education. Our team of experienced ophthalmologists uses the latest technology to assess your vision needs and recommend personalised strategies to combat digital eye strain and promote long-term eye health.

Don’t let screen time dim your vision! Schedule an appointment at Madurai Eye Center today and experience the difference comprehensive eye care can make in the digital age.