Eye problems are on a surge during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though eye problems are not associated with any of the COVID-19 symptoms it’s affected by it. Lockdown was necessary but a little boring to endure. Just like the rest of us, we spent our days binge-watching Netflix and working from home in the daytime. Which led to an increase in various sets of eye problems and one single solution.
The Lockdown effect: Excessive screen time
Under the COVID-19 restriction, we had no place to go so we settled around our couch to catch up with the world through our screens. Be it for work, or connecting with friends or just to distract yourself and have some good time while watching a new series on the online streaming platforms.
Which only led to an increase in 13 hours of screen time among adults during the lockdown. Screens were the only go-to device when it comes to work, entertainment or be social. On top of that, children too were cut off physically for attending school. They had to rely more on laptops and tablets for school work and lessons.
Can screens cause eye damage or it is just an ongoing myth. Researches weigh in with new reports of increasing eye problems and discomfort caused by screens.
How do screens affect your eyes?
We’ve been using screens for years but why are the new problems emerging now? Well, now we’ve increased our screen use which makes it more prone to eye problems. Our digital screens emit harmful blue light rays which penetrate the retina to cause various eye problems.
You’ll often experience eye strain, blurry vision, itchiness, burning sensation and more after sitting against your screen. Blue light rays from the screen also alter our sleeping pattern by disrupting the secretion of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin. That results in poor sleep and makes you look tired and exhausted the next day.
How to protect your eyesight?
If there’s a problem going around, there must be a solution to stop screen adverse effects. Fortunately, there are some solutions available which you can use to combat the ill-results of screen use.
1. Blink More
It’s vital for us to…..blink more. Yes, it’s a piece of odd advice but whenever we look at bright devices, we tend to blink less which makes our eyes drier. It’s a behavioural trait hence we must train our eyes to blink more to get rid of dry-eyes.
2. Adjust your screen position
It can be comforting to keep the laptop on our laps to binge-watch day and night but it is also an incorrect sitting position. Adjust your screen position for better eye health and protection. Keep your computer top portion in line with your eyes. And also keep the device to a distance of 18 to 30 inches from where you are sitting and tilt your head backwards for a protective sitting position and eye comfort.
3. Keep your surrounding lightening dim
Don’t stay in an overlit room because the reflected glare from each will poke your eyes with discomfort. Maintaining a comfortable surrounding is by dimming your room light so the screen is brighter in comparison than the rest.
4. Use blue light glasses
Blue light glasses are one of the most sought after accessories in the lockdown. These glasses offer significant benefit against damaging blue light rays. Our screens emit blue light rays which cause various eye problems along with a change in our sleeping patterns.
These glasses counter those effects and offer comfortable screen use. You don’t need any prescription as these come in both prescription and non-prescription Glasses.
At last, don’t forget to take a break from work and screen use and spend some time out in the sun, within the restrictions led by the government.
Title: How to keep our eyes protected during the lockdown
Description: The lockdown has taken a toll on our lives, and given rise to various eye problems and discomfort. Here’s how to protect them with our top tips.