Useful tips to protect your eyes from the impact of smartphone screens

Just like computers, smartphone screens can cause eye strain, an increasingly common problem in the digital age. As we increasingly replace pen and paper with smartphones for everything from work to entertainment, paying attention to our vision health is more important than ever.

In fact, the symptoms of eye strain from using a phone are very similar to those of prolonged computer use, such as dry eyes, discomfort, headaches around the eyes, and blurred vision. However, the difference lies in how we use the device.

While computers are typically used continuously for long periods of time, smartphones are used frequently but in short, repetitive bursts throughout the day. Total screen time can still add up to several hours per day.

Although it may seem less stressful, constantly looking up and focusing on the phone screen still puts pressure on the eyes, leading to fatigue and vision loss if not adjusted promptly. So how to protect your eyes from the impact of the phone?

1. Adjust screen brightness to better protect your eyes

By default, phone screens are often set to be bright and sharp, which looks great right out of the box. However, everyone has different levels of visual sensitivity, and not adjusting the parameters properly can quickly cause eye fatigue.

Fortunately, most smartphones today allow you to easily adjust brightness, contrast, and text size. When indoors or in low-light environments, reduce screen brightness or enable auto-brightness to help the screen adapt to your surroundings.

In addition, increasing the font size also helps you read text more easily, reducing the need to squint or strain your eyes, a common cause of eye strain when using the phone for long periods of time.

2. Keep a reasonable distance

You should keep your phone about 40 to 45 cm away from your eyes to ensure that your eyes do not have to work too hard. Holding the device too close will cause your eyes to adjust more, which can easily lead to fatigue and blurred vision.

If you often tend to hold your phone close to your face to see better, it is a sign that you should enlarge the size of the text or display content to protect your eyesight in the long run.

3. Use Night Mode

Most modern smartphones, from Android to iPhone, come with a night mode (Night Mode or Night Shift) - a feature that automatically reduces eye strain in the evening.

When enabled, the screen will automatically adjust to a warmer color tone and reduce blue light depending on the time of day. This is a simple but effective solution that helps protect your eyes when using the device at night without you having to manually turn it on or off.

4. Don't forget to blink - a small but important habit

It may sound simple, but blinking frequently is something many people forget to do when they're staring at their phones or tablets. When we're so focused on our screens, we tend to stare without realizing it, unconsciously reducing our blink rate.

Blinking not only helps keep the surface of your eyes moist, it also helps to adjust your vision and reduce eye strain. So reminding yourself to blink regularly is one of the simplest ways to prevent dry eyes and reduce eye strain when using digital devices for long periods of time.

5. Use a matte screen protector

Smartphone screens often have glossy surfaces that provide sharp images, but they are prone to light reflection, causing eye discomfort when used outdoors or in bright light. A simple solution is to use a matte screen protector - a compact but effective accessory.

Matte film reduces glare, improves visibility in a variety of lighting conditions, and provides a traditional LCD-like feel. They also protect the screen from scratches and are very affordable, making them a smart choice for both your eyes and your device.

6. Use artificial tears

Whether you work a lot on the computer or use your phone for a long time, dry and tired eyes are inevitable. In these cases, artificial tears are an effective solution to soothe and moisturize the eyes, bringing immediate comfort.

There are many over-the-counter lubricating eye drops available, including preservative-free and preservative-free versions. Everyone reacts differently to different products, so you may need to try a few before you find the one that works best for your eyes. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in your everyday vision health.

In short, digital eye strain is a growing problem, but you can definitely reduce its impact with simple adjustments. Be mindful of your screen brightness, like turning it down in dark environments, or using the automatic brightness adjustment feature on your phone.

Additionally, night mode with warm tones and soft lighting will help reduce blue light, a common cause of eye strain. Remember, screens with warmer colors and longer wavelengths are easier on the eyes. Actively adjusting these settings will not only make your device more comfortable to use, but also contribute to long-term vision health./.