Today digital devices are everywhere, and even though they are helpful, overexposure to these devices can be hazardous to your health, and your eyes. According to the Nielsen ratings, the average American owns an average of four digital devices, spends 27 hours a month on personal computers, and spends 34 hours a month looking at smartphone screens. While research is still ongoing, the Vision Council reported that nearly 95% of Americans are at risk for digital eye strain.
Over exposure to the blue light emitted from these screens can cause a number of health problems, such as depression, headaches, and insomnia. Current evidence is leading researchers to believe that these screens can also lead to an earlier onset of macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness. According to Parveen Jaglan, a Cobb County (Atlanta) Optometrist, blue light screens are damaging to eyes, especially children’s eyes. Jaglan believes children are more susceptible due to the amount of pigment density that’s located in the back of the eye, and kids have less pigment than adults do.
In response to this growing concern, Jaglan has developed BLEP (Blue Light Eye Protection), a line of blue light blocking glasses that reduces the amount of damage to the eyes, without discoloring or distorting the images on screen. This new piece of eyewear technology is available in both prescription and non-prescription, can accommodate a magnification of +3, and is available for both children and adults.
In addition to wearing Blue Light Eye Protection, in order to keep your eyes healthy, The Vision Council recommends these 4 tips:
- Be sure to increase the text size on your devices; this will help reduce eye strain.
- Remember the 20/20/20 rule: for every 20 minutes on a device, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away from you.
- Visit your eye care provider to learn more about digital eyewear and lens options; they can inform you what’s available in your area and can provide you with options that will help reduce digital eye strain.
- Have an ergonomic workstation that mitigates other stressors such as poor posture and bad lighting.