How Smartphones Are Affecting Our Eyesight
Indeed, smartphones are amazing! We love them! Online banking, playing games, watching sports, checking in on Facebook… However, if you’re a frequent smartphone user, pay attention to the possible eye problems they can cause.
Smartphones Can Hurt Your Eyesight
Eye care professionals are becoming increasingly concerned about the amount of time we spend looking at these tiny screens. And although there’s little known risk (right now) for permanent damage, smart phones can cause a lot of strain and discomfort.
Dry Eyes
The average person blinks around 15 times per minute. While staring at a screen, you blink half as much. Blinking less causes your eyes to dry out, and when your eyes are dry, they’re missing their most important natural protection. SUGGESTION: Remind yourself to blink more while you’re watching something on your smartphone. You can even put a little note in the corner that says “blink!”
Strained Eyes
Continually reading on a small screen can strain eye muscles. In fact, you may experience blurry vision and headaches. SUGGESTION: Remember the 20/20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look up at something about 20 feet from you, for about 20 seconds. This refreshes your eyes.
Sleep Interruption
Many people are having their sleep patterns interrupted because they’re bringing smart phones to bed with them. The blue light suppresses melatonin production which regulates sleep. SUGGESTION: Put your smart phone aside an hour before you go to bed, and sleep with it a few feet from your bed.
Develop Good Habits
Smartphones can impact our overall health as well. This may range from developing bad posture to increasing radiation exposure. Studies on radiation effects from cell phones are in the early stages, but be aware.
All Screens Pose A Threat, Not Just Cell Phones:
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Smartphones are great, but good phone habits can help keep your eyes and body healthier. If you are concerned about how your phone could be changing your eyes give us a call and let’s visit!