Long-term use of digital screens can cause macular degeneration, headaches, and various other eye issues. Fortunately, some solutions can help prevent these problems from affecting you.
Stop Tired Eyes
Whether you work online, socialize online or use a computer, there are ways to alleviate the effects of pandemic screen time. One is to wear glasses with blue light filtering lenses. This can help relieve eye strain, reduce glare, and maintain your eyesight.
However, there is no proof that blue light glasses can cure digital eye strain. Instead, the best approach is to decrease your screen time.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests a couple of things you can do to lessen the impact of screen time on your eyes. These include: setting your computer to night mode, using an eyeglasses filter, and shifting your focus every 20 minutes.
The most effective blue light reduction technique is wearing computer glasses every time you look at your screen. This could mean wearing a pair two or three hours before bedtime.
Another trick is to switch to a warm screen setting. This can help improve your health, improve your sleep, and increase the amount of sleep you get. This setting can be set to seven in the evening through the morning.
Moderation in Screen Use
During the COVID-19 pandemic, screen time increased across countries. The goal is to moderate screen use. However, screen time estimates need to be more accurate in the number of time children spend on their screens. There may also be a difference in screen use between children from different socioeconomic levels of families. This is because more excellent SES families may have more play materials and significant space. They may also have parents who work fewer hours and thus have more time to spend with their children.
Many factors may have contributed to increased screen time during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include the introduction of an online school program called COVID-19. The pandemic also lowered physical activity levels. This led to increased screen time and negative screen-related behaviors. Moreover, social isolation increases feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
A systematic review was conducted to assess the relationships between screen time during the COVID-19 pandemic and other pertinent variables. The study is based on a pre-published protocol. The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews has it listed. PRISMA guidelines conducted it.
Reduce Headaches
During the pandemic, more people have been experiencing headaches. While the causes are still unknown, research suggests that screen time is a common factor.
Some leading headache experts recommend wearing FL-41 glasses to block blue light from screens. A study published in the Applied Psychology journal in 2021 found that using blue light glasses improved sleep quality and improved performance at work.
While the exact causes of screen headaches are unknown, experts believe blue light may contribute to the problem. The blue wavelengths emitted by modern gadgets are brighter and shorter than those produced by the sun. Unfortunately, the brightness can also contribute to eye strain.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology advises moderation in screen use. However, people with neurological disorders may be at greater risk of screen headaches.
The method advises people who spend six or more hours a day in front of screens to reduce their exposure to blue light. This can be done by changing the screen’s color or adjusting the settings to match the environment. The American Academy of Ophthalmology also advises a periodic break from screens.
Prevent Macular Degeneration
Using glasses for macular degeneration is a great way to manage the symptoms. However, they cannot cure the disease. Regular eye exams are crucial, and you should follow your doctor’s recommendations. Therefore, avoiding blue light is one way to slow the progression of macular degeneration. Blue light is high energy and is thought to cause retinal damage.
This can be done by wearing special glasses. They may include magnification or a built-in prism. These glasses can also help reduce blind spots.
Another way to reduce blue light is by avoiding electronic devices. Some devices emit high-energy blue light, and it is thought that long-term exposure can cause macular degeneration. To reduce blue light exposure, try to use a unique film on your computer screen or rest your eyes for 20 minutes after every 20 minutes of use. You can also take lutein supplements, which reduce the risk of macular degeneration by up to 40%.
You might also be susceptible to cataract development if you have macular degeneration. Studies have shown that blue light exposure hastens the development of cataracts.
Reduce Digital Eye Strain
Blue light glasses may help reduce digital eye strain. Digital screens primarily emit this high-energy blue light. Even though it may not cause direct eye damage, it can still cause symptoms like eye strain, headaches, and fatigue.
If you have eye strain, taking regular breaks from your computer is essential. It’s also important to ensure your posture is correct when working on a computer. This will help relax your muscles and reduce eye strain.
There are also some tips for optimizing your workspace. Aside from using anti-glare screens, you should also ensure you sit in an ergonomic chair. You can avoid eye fatigue and other vision-related symptoms by doing this.
While wearing blue light glasses may help reduce digital eye strain, you may not experience an improvement in eye fatigue. If you are concerned about reducing the symptoms of eye strain, you should speak with your eye care professional. If you require treatment, a thorough eye exam will reveal that. It is also essential to discuss any changes you may make to your prescription lenses. This may involve using an anti-glare coating on the back of your glasses.
