Saving Your Eyesight

If you use a computer everyday, you might want to read this…

If you’re like me, working in front of a laptop is a necessity of every day life.

However, the side effect of using digital screens everyday is the constant exposure to hazardous blue light.

Blue light reaches deeper into the eye, and the constant exposure can cause damage to the retina. If that’s not bad enough, over long periods of time, harmful effects of blue light can lead to cataracts and diseases, such as, age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Luckily for us, there are simple ways to off-set the negative effects of prolonged exposure of using screens.

Install F.lux

F.lux is a free app, for both Mac and PC users, that filters blue light from your computer screen. This is a MUST have if you work for more than 6 hours a day in front of a computer. Especially if you code.

Our computer screens are designed to work like the sun. Although they look great in the middle of the day, they’re not good for our eyes at night.

F.lux adapts your computer screen to the time of day. Once the sun goes down, your screen slowly transitions to produce an orange hue tone. If you’re working while this is happening, you won’t feel the difference. You can also turn on and off the app whenever you want. Not only can F.lux reduce the intense glare off your eyes, but it can potentially help you sleep better at night.

P.S. ~ If you installed the latest software update for your iPhone (iOS 9.3), a similar feature exists known as “night shift” mode. Learn more here.

Exercise Your Eyes

To counter eye strain from staring at our screens, many experts recommend the “20–20–20 Rule.” Look away from your computer every 20 minutes at a distant object (at least 20 feet away) for at least 20 seconds.

When you do this, you significantly reduce the risk of the focusing ability of your eyes to “lock up.”

Stop Using Screens for 2 Hours Before You go to Sleep

The blue light emitted from our screens affects our circadian rhythm in a negative way. Research has shown that bright light at night delays melatonin production and sleep. This means when you use bright screens right before you go to bed, you’ll get worse and less sleep.

“We know from previous work that light from screens in the evening alters sleepiness and alertness, and suppresses melatonin levels.”

Dr. Anne-Marie Chang, an associate neuroscientist in BWH’s Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders

Our body naturally reacts to sunlight as it signals us to wake up and be alert. When we’re glued to our sun mimicking devices late at night, it can prove to be hazardous to our health, not just out eyes.

Wear Sunglasses

If you want to go all out to protect your eyes, get specialized computer glasses. Otherwise, normal sunglasses can do the trick.

Although people may think you look ridiculous, research has shown that specialized computer glasses can help reduce eyestrain, blurred vision, and computer-related headaches.

Computer glasses are designed to reduce glare, improve contrast, and make it easier for us to look at screens for longer periods of time. However, there are a vast amount of different options and price ranges to choose from when getting computer glasses. If they’re out of your budget, simple sunglasses can help alleviate the strain from prolonged screen use.