How Much Screen Time Is Bad For Your Vision

How Much Screen Time Is Bad For Your Vision?
Person looking at a screen with strained eyes

Long hours in front of a screen often lead to users experiencing dry or blurry vision, fatigue, and discomfort. This phenomenon is referred to as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) or Digital Eye Strain.

If you feel some form of stress or discomfort while operating a laptop or mobile phone, take some comfort here. Most people today cope with it --- and it is a real problem.

How Many Hours Of Screen Time Is Too Much?

It is advised not to exceed two hours of recreational screen time to avoid straining your eyes.

However, for professionals with extended periods of screen engagement, the issue lies not with the total hours, but rather the method of utilising your gaze --- how often you look away from the screen and how frequently you take breaks.

Tip:

As we have noted earlier, the problem does not lie with the time, but rather the focus, lack of blinking, and fixating towards the distance which cause fatigue.

Signs You're Getting Too Much Screen Time

Take time to rest if you spot the following warning signs:

  • Dry or burning eyes
  • Headaches
  • Sore neck or shoulders
  • Blurred vision
  • Difficulty concentrating on distant objects

Likelihood is you may be performing additional work your eyes were not prepared for.

How to Take Care Of Your Eyes During Screen Time

These simple steps can assist in improving your eye comfort:

  • Observe the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, focus your gaze on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
  • Increase Blinks Per Minute (BPM): Blinking hydrates your eyes. Because of screens, you blink less.
  • Alter Device Settings: Adjust the brightness. Increase font size. Enable dark mode if possible.
  • Change Your Workstation's Arrangement: Place your screen about an arm's length away and a little bit below your eye level.
  • Apply Artificial Tears: If you are experiencing dry eyes, use preservative-free eye drops.
  • Consuming Water: Drink enough water because it helps the body in generating natural tears.

Should You Worry About Blue Light?

Screens emit blue light that could be disruptive to your eyes, but eye strain is a bigger concern.

For some people, blue light glasses are useful, particularly during nighttime. However, good screen practices are of greater importance.

Why Regular Eye Exams Should Matter

Despite following all the recommendations, screens can imperceptibly deteriorate your eyesight over time.

Having an annual eye examination in Palo Alto is critical to identifying underlying problems early.

At Refine Optometry, Dr. Joy Lam can take care of your eye health and recommend ways to protect your vision such as eye treatments or dry eye therapies.

Shutter: Pay Attention to Your Eyes

If you overuse your eyes on screens and find them exhausted, dehydrated or fuzzy, then it's time to hit the brakes.

Screens are an undeniable part of our day-to-day life; however, with good habits, vision can be preserved for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the upper limit of screen time for adult users?

Strive to stay below 2 hours of non-work related screen time a day. Remember to take working breaks.

Does too much screen time lead to permanent damage?

In most cases, only temporary damage, but it can worsen gradual vision impairment over time if nothing changes.

What is the best approach to minimise eye strain caused by staring at a computer for long periods?

Take additional breaks, change the position of your screen, blink more often, and drink plenty of water.

Looking for an eye expert?

Book an eye exam with Dr. Joy Lam, the best Optometrist in Palo Alto at Refine Optometry today, and remember - eye exams should be held in the Pacific!

Book an Appointment

Heed your vision to get clearer tomorrow.

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