Prolonged screen use is taking a toll on millions of people, causing blurry vision, headaches, and fatigue.
Cathy Higgins, a university research manager, struggled with blurry vision and migraines after long hours at her desk. The strain stems from eye muscles tightening due to constant close-up focus, which, while temporary, can disrupt work, rest, and family time.
Experts suggest following the 20-20-20 rule: take a break every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds, and use lubricating eye drops to combat reduced blinking during screen use.
Adjusting desk setups can also reduce strain. Sitting at arm’s length from a larger monitor and adjusting the screen to eye level helps. Higgins found relief by upgrading to a 29-inch monitor and increasing her distance from the screen, though extended workdays still occasionally cause issues.
Contrary to popular belief, blue-light glasses offer limited benefits, as strain is mainly caused by screen behavior rather than blue light. Doctors instead recommend taking breaks and minimizing screen exposure before bedtime to avoid sleep disruptions.
Children are also at risk, with screen time in schools and at home contributing to rising rates of myopia. Pediatric optometrists encourage following the “20-20-20-2 rule,” which includes two hours of outdoor play daily to support healthy eye development.
Reducing screen use and adopting ergonomic setups can ease strain and promote overall eye health, offering much-needed relief for screen-weary individuals.
Source: AP
Bd-pratidin English/Fariha Nowshin Chinika
