Probably the best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home. But whether you're binge watching Netflix or just helping the kids with at-home learning, chances are, you've been drawn to those screens for months.
“Everybody being home from COVID; working from home. Spending more time on their devices because they don't have other things to do,” says Dr. Robert Iverson, with Fashion Eye Center.
Whether it's your TV, tablet, phone or computer, every digital device we have emits a little something called blue light.
“Those focusing muscles keep working and working and they get tired. Especially those who may have an uncorrected prescription. Older patients who don't focus as well as they used to,” says Dr. Iverson.
Here's something helpful: doctors say if you are forced to stare at a screen all day, the 20/20 rule is great way to keep your eyes fresh; that's when you look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Doctors say it helps your eyes to relax.
Doctors also say the blue light from your phone is notorious for turning our circadian rhythm upside down. So, if you're one of the folks glued to their phone before bedtime, do a little exploring in your device's settings. Most have something called "nighttime mode" to turn your screen a bit more amber and to help keep your eyes healthy and focused on whatever else 2020 has in store.
