In today’s tech-driven world, smartphones have become an inseparable part of our lives. From browsing social media, chatting with friends, and checking emails to watching videos, playing games, and shopping online, most of us spend long stretches of time glued to our screens.
But have you ever wondered what this constant exposure to the screen is doing to your eyes? It’s high time you realise that your smartphone might be silently harming your vision.
Digital Eye Strain
One of the most common problems associated with excessive screen time is digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. It leads to problems like dry eyes, blurry vision, headaches, and neck or shoulder pain. Staring at a small screen for long durations of time forces your eyes to strain harder, especially when you try to read small fonts or switch your focus between different apps and notifications. This eye strain is quite similar to what you experience when you spend long stretches of time reading, writing, or doing “close work” like sewing.
Blue Light Emission
Blue light emission is yet another major concern. Smartphones emit a high amount of blue light. This blue light can penetrate deep into the eye and may damage the retina over time. Prolonged exposure to blue light can also upset your sleep cycle, especially if you use your phone till late at night. It affects melatonin production, making it difficult for you to fall asleep, while also diminishing sleep quality.
Compromised Blink Rate
We have a tendency to blink less while using a smartphone. This reduced blinking can cause dry and irritated eyes. Normally, we blink about 15 times every minute. This rate drops to almost half while focusing on a screen. As a result, your eyes do not get the lubrication they need, leading to dryness and discomfort.
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Children and teenagers are particularly vulnerable, as their eyes are still in the developing stage. Children spending long durations of time on smartphones are at risk of progressive myopia (nearsightedness). If unchecked, it may worsen over time while also increasing the risk of other eye complications later in life.
Protecting Your Eyes
What can you do to protect your eyes? Here are some easy remedies:
- Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Adjust screen brightness and text size as per your convenience
- Use blue light filters
- Blink more frequently
- Maintain the right distance between phone and eyes
- Avoid using your phone in dark environments
- Get regular eye check-ups
- Practice eye exercises for relaxing your eyes
- Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet
If symptoms persist, do not ignore them – visit Sohana Hospital, the best eye hospital in Chandigarh. In addition to highly expert eye specialists, the hospital also has top-notch facilities at the most affordable prices.
Conclusion
Technology is for our benefit. We need to be mindful of its use. While smartphones are useful tools, overusing them can lead to vision problems. A few simple precautions and habits can go a long way in keeping your eyes healthy in the digital age.
