Protect Your Peepers! Heath Experts Urge Us to Switch Off and Blink

On an average day, how much time do you spend staring at a computer screen or a mobile phone? We imagine, if you really think about, it’s an hour or two more than you may originally realise.

Computers and mobile phones have made modern life easier when it comes to communication and finding out things at the touch of a button, but are they having a negative impact on your sight?

Spending hours staring at a screen, whether it’s in work or at home, puts you at risk of severe eye strain and now health experts are warning us to take frequent breaks in order to protect our peepers.

“Our dependence on and use of screen-based devices is set to increase even further with technological advances, and there’s no doubt that daily and prolonged use of screens can have a detrimental impact on eyesight,” said Dr Steven Schallhorn, an ophthalmic surgeon.

So what are the signs that you’re damaging your eyes? Common symptoms include red, bloodshot eyes, tired eyes and difficulty focusing, as well as headaches and soreness around your eyes. If you experience any of these symptoms, experts recommend getting yourself to an optician for an eye test.

Staring at a screen every day can have a severe impact on our eyesight

Excessive staring at computer/TV/mobile phone screens can also worsen dry eye conditions, which can lead to a host of other problems such as scratches on the cornea and damaged vision.

If you think that you’re suffering from eye strain there are a few things you can do to help relieve your symptoms. First and foremost, it’s important to take regular breaks. Experts advise following the 20-20-20 rule. After staring at a screen for 20minutes, look at something about 20ft away for 20seconds before you turn back to your screen.

Also don’t forget to blink. When we stare at a screen, we actually blink around 25 per cent less than we normally do. Blinking is a vital action that keeps our eyes moist and is essential for good eye health.

So ladies, if you’ve been experiencing problems with your eyes or headaches from staring at a computer screen, make an appointment for an eye test, limit the amount of time you use a computer and don’t forget to blink.

Your eyes are one of the most important parts of your body, so it’s important to take steps to protect your peepers!