With the increasing use of technology in our day to day life, the average time spent by an individual on screens have increased drastically over the past few years. Whether it is your phone, office computer, a laptop or a tablet, they all contribute towards the screen time. According to research, the average person spends at least 9 hours a day on gadgets. The time that kids and young adults spend on gadgets is also gradually increasing. So what does all that screen time mean for your health, especially your eyes?
Here is how excessive usage of technology adversely affects your eyesight:
-Straining of eyes which may eventually lead to headaches
-Watery eyes, burning and itching sensation in the eyes
-Double vision
-Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
-Less blinking as compared to usual standards
-Damaging of the retina
-Dry eyes
-Possibility of cataracts
You may probably never realise how your eyes are being affected in the long run. Yes, technology is now an integral part of your routine, and you may not be able to cut down the hours that you put in there. However, what you can do is change your lifestyle and be more conscious as to how you treat your eyes and how you take care of them.
Here are a few tips that would help you take care of your eyes better:
Stay hydrated: Being hydrated is the thumb rule of staying healthy. Giving your body enough fluids is beneficial for the overall wellbeing of the body, including your eyes. This way, your eyes will be prevented from getting irritated and dry
Sleep well: Make sure you don’t deprive yourself of sleep. Getting enough sleep would help keep your eyes healthy and revitalised. Your eyes re-energise themselves when you sleep and hence get at least 8 hours of sleep every day
Never hesitate to visit your eye doctor: Never hesitate to contact the eye doctor in case of irritation, strain in the eyes or if you are having any issues related to your vision. One should make it a habit to get a comprehensive examination at periodic intervals. Such tests can help to identify problems like Computer Vision Syndrome, prevalent in youngsters and diseases like Glaucoma, which otherwise would have no symptoms.
Always wear protective gear: Lengthy exposure to UV Rays can hurt your eyesight. Even if you are in the shade, always wear UV Protective sunglasses. That shade would lessen HEV and UV exposure in a significant manner, but the UV rays that are reflected off structures and buildings would still be exposed to your eyes. Take care of children and make sure they wear protective hats and glasses when out in sunlight.
Eat Healthy Food: Make sure that your food intake consists of such diet that helps in maintaining healthy eyes. Vitamin C, Vitamin E, nutrients like zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and lutein help push vision-related issues. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and bell peppers; nuts and vegetable oils, carrots and kale are considered very healthy for eyes.
Know the 20-20-20 Rule: Doctors swear by this 20-20-20 Rule which would help you take good care of your eyes. This is how this rule works:
-Every 20 minutes, take a break and look away from the computer screen. Fix your gaze on any object that is at least 20 feet away.
-Blink at least 20 times successively. This will help prevent eye dryness.
-Every 20 minutes, get up and walk at least 20 steps. This would help maintain proper body posture and also promote blood circulation.
