Can Too Much Screen Time Damage Your Eyesight?

In this day and age, it’s most likely improbable for one to stay away from cellphone, TV, computer, and other digital gadgets for too long, given just how much they are part of people’s daily lives.

With that being a given, many are wondering if too much TV, cell phone or computer time can do harm to your eyes and sight. Apparently, there’s a definite answer to that.

Staring at your phone or watching TV for extended periods of time shall not permanently damage your eyes. However, it is still worth taking note of a few interesting points regarding this matter.

If you’re someone who religiously uses your phone, computer, and TV for hours daily, you must also take some precautionary measures to make sure you protect your eyes.

It is highly recommended for you to have 10 hours of exposure per week to natural sunlight. It is essential for you to match any screen time with time outside. This is because the latest study suggests that the luminance of being outdoors is quite critical. No indoor lighting comes close in terms of matching the luminance of natural sunlight.

Another critical point to be aware of is that overusing your eyes for regular activities such as watching TV, surfing on your mobile device, playing video games or reading could eventually result in eyestrain.

Symptoms of eyestrain include watery or dry eyes, itchy or sore eyes, headaches, and temporary light sensitivity or blurry eyes.

You don’t have to worry much as eyestrain is only a short-term condition that can easily be treated with proper rest. That’s why it is essential for you to take regular breaks from intense eye focus and blink more often to keep your eyes moist. In cases of constant dry eyes, eye drops can be helpful.

To prevent eyestrain from reoccurring, there are actually some simple, yet effective steps that you can take.

It is key to keep your computer screen about an arm’s length away from you. As for watching TV, make it a point to keep the room softly lit since too much contrast between the screen and the rest of the room can make your eyes work twice as much.

Now that you’re wary of these eye issues, make sure you observe the right habits to protect your eyes and vision from any damage.

Aside from taking care of your eyes, it is also important to regularly have them checked. You can contact our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 so our eye experts can take a look at your eyes and see if they are in good shape or not.