Today, millions of people are using cellphones, iPads, laptops, or any gadgets there. We are in the digital age where there is little to no one who is not using any type of gadget. These gadgets are revolutionary because they let us do things that we were not able to do a couple of thousand years ago. So, it’s no brainer that most of us are using gadgets. But there is a limit to what your eyes can handle.
Why Does Excessive Use of Gadgets Put a Strain on Your Eyes’ Health
The gadget in itself is not damaging but the prolonged exposure by using your gadgets may deteriorate your eyes due to the blue rays your gadgets produce. This blue light is very damaging to the eyes. This is just like the concept of the sun, the longer you are under the sun, your risk from getting skin diseases such as skin cancer, increases. This is because the prolonged exposure from UVA and UVB rays is harmful for your skin. This is the same for blue light.
There is also the high-energy visible light (HEV), which is emitted by your gadgets. Long exposure to this, especially during the night, the higher the risk of your vision deteriorating over time.
Effects of Excessive Use of Gadgets for Your Eyes
So what are the effects of prolonged exposure to this blue light for your eyes?
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)
CVS was made for office workers who sit for long hours in front of a screen, but now, regardless if you’re an office worker or not, you are at risk of getting CVS. Symptoms of CVS include: Dry eyes, eye strain, itchy and/or watery eyes, and light sensitivity.
Headaches, Migraines, and Eye Strain
Headaches are among the most significant side effects of spending too much time staring at technological devices and screens. This is because of the link between both the eyes and the brain. When you look at a screen for a lengthy amount of time, you may experience eye strain, which can contribute to a terrible severe migraine.
The contrast between the brightness of the screen and the blackness of the text might cause eye strain and headaches. As a result, our eyes have to work harder to concentrate, which can produce muscular spasms around your temples.
Sometimes eye strain could also cause migraines, which may be excruciatingly painful. Migraines, in addition to pulsating and throbbing pain, can lead to nausea and vision problems such as flashes, sensitivity to light, and even brief blindness.
What Can You Do?
Stop Using Your Gadgets at Bedtime
This is kind of self explanatory. Try to avoid using your gadgets at bedtime so that you won’t continue to use it even past your bedtime.
Reduce Overhead Lighting
Next is try to switch your gadgets to night mode to reduce the blue light your gadgets are producing. The blue light from gadgets like your phone can easily disrupt your ability to sleep while also heavily straining your eyes. Switching to night mode can help your eyes to relax more easily and to prevent eye strain.
Follow The 20-20 Rule
The 20-20 rule is using your gadgets for 20 minutes then after that 20 minutes is up, you have to put your gadget down and relax your eyes. This will lessen the strain your eyes will get.
Bottomline
Save your eyes from the strain and deterioration it may experience in the long run by following these tips. Minimizing the usage of your gadget is a smart decision for the overall health of your eyes.