Screen time and blue light | Kenton Optometrists

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Screen time and blue light

How to Protect Your Eyes Against Blue Light?

Have you ever found yourself with a headache and unable to sleep after a day in front of the computer? Many people spend their entire day in front of screens, making it increasingly important to protect ourselves from blue light exposure.

Studies show that the average adult spends more time each day staring at screens than sleeping. It’s easy to spend the whole day in front of a screen without realizing the damage it causes to your eyes, especially when switching between devices like phones, tablets, and laptops.

Blue light refers to the portion of visible light at the blue end of the spectrum. While all visible colors make up white light, high levels of blue light from screens can cause eye strain and long-term damage to your eyesight.

5 Simple Ways to Protect Your Eyes from Blue Light

1. Screen Protection

Spectacles designed for digital screen use can significantly reduce eye strain. Younger individuals and those with short-sightedness may benefit from prescription adjustments tailored for screen use. Special coatings like anti-glare and blue-light-protective lenses also enhance comfort. Even individuals without prescription glasses may find anti-glare and blue-light-protection spectacles helpful for reducing strain.

2. Proper Lighting

Excessively bright lighting from windows or interior lights can worsen eye strain. Position your computer screen away from direct sunlight or reflections, and opt for soft, balanced lighting.

3. Ergonomics

Your screen should be positioned slightly below eye level, about 50–70 cm away. Adjust your chair and workspace to reduce neck strain and keep reference materials at a comfortable height. Proper ergonomics reduce fatigue and improve overall comfort.

4. Display Settings

Adjust your screen brightness to match the ambient lighting in your surroundings. Set the text size and contrast to reduce strain, with black text on a white background being the easiest to read.

5. Rest and Blink

Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Regular breaks and frequent blinking keep your eyes moist and help reduce strain from prolonged screen use.

Protecting your eyes from blue light is essential for maintaining long-term eye health, especially with the growing reliance on digital devices. Implementing these steps can reduce strain and improve your overall well-being.