INBALANCE
When The Eyes Have Had It Take a break from screen time and stay hydrated. By Susan Rupe
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o many aspects of our lives have moved to the virtual world over the past few months, and our eyes are paying the price for the increased time we are spending in front of our screens. Dr. Daniel Laroche, ophthalmologist and president of Advanced Eyecare of New York, told InsuranceNewsNet that spending more time in front of computers, smartphones and TV screens is damaging to our eyes as well as to our overall health. “Since we’ve been in this COVID-19 environment, people are spending more time online, doing more videoconferences, working virtually. This can cause eyestrain,” he said. “Eyestrain can cause headaches, and it can lead to nearsightedness in children.” Laroche urged screen-users to adopt the “20-20-20 rule.” “After looking at the screen for 20 minutes, look at something that’s 20 feet or more away for 20 seconds,” he said. “That allows your eyes to relax and 50
reduces the strain on your eyes.” How do you figure out what’s 20 feet away? Laroche suggested looking out a window and across the street, or looking across the hallway into the next room. It’s not enough just to move your eyes, Laroche said. You must also move your legs. “You have to take more of a break from your screen,” he said. “Every one to two hours, get up, walk around, stretch your legs and get the circulation going. That increased blood flow also helps reduce eyestrain.” Children also are spending more time in front of screens as more education moves online. Increased screen time in children not only leads to greater risk of nearsightedness – or myopia – but it also can lead to a higher risk of retinal detachment when they reach adulthood, Laroche said. He advised parents to make sure their children observe the 20-20-20 rule as well. “In addition, get your children to spend 30 to 60 minutes a day doing an activity outdoors. Get them in a different environment, out in the fresh air, and get their circulation going as well.” Screen time also can lead to decreased ability to focus, Laroche said. “That’s
InsuranceNewsNet Magazine » October 2020
another reason why you want to take a break and look away from the screen – so you don’t lose your ability to focus.” While you look at your screen, your eyes don’t blink as much as they normally do. That leads to dryness, and older people are particularly susceptible to dry eyes, Laroche said. Staying hydrated can combat those dry eyes, he said. He recommended combining screen breaks with hydration breaks. “While you’re taking a break from the screen, drink some water, or drink green tea or vegetable juice. Green tea and vegetable juice have antioxidants that also can reduce dryness in your eyes and boost your overall eye health.” Eyedrops also may be needed to soothe dry eyes, he said. The right kind of eyewear can combat the ravages of screen time, Laroche said. “When people approach age 40, their eyes don’t focus as well as they used to. We find people that age often have to wear reading glasses. But reading glasses are not the same as computer glasses. You need to have the proper spectacle correction. If you are using the computer a lot, you need to make sure your glasses can be focused on the right distance.