Written by Lance Lasam
Visuals by Jayvee Fulgencio
Because we spend more time on our screens nowadays, our eyes are more at risk of getting strained. Research has found that whenever we use our devices, we blink less than 7-10 times a minute, which is not enough to keep our eyes from getting dry and irritated.
However, since when these are first observed, there are things that we can do to protect our sight from the elements, and it usually involves when and what we see on our screens.
THE TIME WE SPEND
According to the Mayo Clinic, we spend an average of 7-10 hours on our screens. The recommended screen time, on the other hand, is two hours a day for teens and adults, one hour for children, and none at all for toddlers. Although older students are able to focus on doing assessments for longer stretches of time, it is still advised to set limits on our screen time.
However, it does not mean that we should do everything on our computers and phones for two hours straight. Breaks are also necessary to prevent eye strain.
One such method is the 20/20/20 principle, where it states that after 20 minutes of screen time, you should take a 20 second break and look at some object that is 20 feet (around 6 meters) away from you – something that is not another screen. Another way is taking a longer break of 15 minutes after 2 hours of screen time.
Remember though that these principles are not absolute. If you feel that your eyes cannot handle the exposure, then take a break. Your assignments and projects can wait for a few minutes.
THE THINGS WE SEE
Another thing that we should consider is what we see. Things such as the lights, the colors, the text can be hard for our eyes, and can therefore affect how our eyes react and gather information.
The brightness on screens are not monotonous. You can change the brightness from your screen – not too light that it becomes a light source, nor too dark that it becomes dull and grey.
Our workbenches can also be adjusted for proper lighting. You can reduce outside light by using curtains or using fewer lights from your room. If you work near windows, you can adjust your device so that they are to the side instead of in front or behind you.
The colors that come out can also be changed. You can either go to the settings of your device, and reduce the temperature in order to reduce blue light – a color of light that is linked to a greater risk of eye strain and damage.
The text and contrast can also be changed in order to increase eye comfort. A black text on a white background is the best combination for this purpose.
WHAT WE SHOULD DO
Considering the situation that we are nowadays, we are not really immune to the danger. But, there are tips that we should apply when we use our screens. With these, we can at least protect our eyes from being crushed by the elements coming out from our devices.
References:
American International School of Guangzhou. (n.d.). Online Learning: Balancing Activities with Screen Time. Retrieved from https://www.aisgz.org/news/detail/~board/featured-news/post/online-learning-balancing-activities-with-screen-time
Bach, M. (2019). 5 tips for reducing screen time. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/featured-topic/5-tips-for-reducing-screen-time
Burt, C. (2020). Screen time use sparks discussion over how much is too much. Retrieved from https://universitybusiness.com/screen-time-use-sparks-discussion-over-how-much-is-too-much/
Heiting, G. & Wan, L. (n.d.). Computer eye strain: 10 steps for relief. Retrieved fromhttps://www.allaboutvision.com/cvs/irritated.htm
WebMD. (2019). Prevent Eyestrain From Digital Devices. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/prevent-digital-eyestrain
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