Sponsored Feature: ‘Screen time’ and your eyes

 

We’re spending an increasing amount of time nowadays staring at screens – televisions, portable mobile devices and computers. Hours and hours are spent each day looking at screens. But what is all this ‘screen time’ doing to our eyes?

Will too much television hurt our eyes?

There is no evidence that a lot of television or sitting close to the television will cause permanent damage to your eyes. However experts say that that children can actually focus up close without eyestrain better than adults, so they often develop the habit of sitting right in front of the television or holding reading material close to their eyes. Sitting close to a TV may be a sign of nearsightedness though, causing you to sit closer to see the picture more clearly.

Can the use of computers damage your eyes?

Working on computers will not harm your eyes. Often, when we use a computer for long periods of time, just as when reading or doing other close work, we blink less often than normal. This reduced rate of blinking makes our eyes dry, which may lead to a feeling of eyestrain or fatigue. Optometrists advise that screen users should try to take regular breaks, to either look up or across the room. Keep the monitor between 18 to 24 inches from your face and tilted at a slightly downward angle. If your vision blurs or your eyes tire easily, you should have them examined.

At the very first signs of vision loss, such as blurred vision or flashes of light, you should see your doctor. If detected early enough, depending on the cause, there are treatments that can correct, stop, or slow down the loss of vision.

The Association of Optometrists Ireland recommends an eye examination at least every two years and more often when advised by an optometrist. Certain patients, such as diabetics, should have an annual eye examination.

Independent Ireland