How do screens affect eyesight?
Screens won't blind you, assures Randy McLaughlin, MD, an optometrist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
What damage can occur?
There is a need to assess the damage UV rays cause to the eyes, and sitting for hours staring at something close up can increase retinal stress.
Although research on the effects on the eyes is still ongoing in this field, it is known that ultraviolet rays are not good, if not directly harmful, to our eye health.
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| Ultraviolet rays and focusing on one thing for hours cause eye strain. |
What can you do?
1) Give your eyes a break
Experts recommend that people take a break every 20 to 30 minutes. Look away and rest your eyes for at least 30 seconds. You don't have to interrupt your train of thought, just look away from the screen for a moment.
2) Use non-prescription eye drops
Eye drops can relieve dry or strained eyes.
3) Get your eyes checked every two years
For people without vision problems or other concerns, aim to have an eye exam every two years.
There's no need to feel embarrassed about not having your eyes checked in a while. Your doctor won't judge you for it, they just want to make sure everything's okay.
