A study from the University of Toledo (USA) shows that harmful blue light from phone screens in particular and digital devices in general can impair vision, even cause blindness. To avoid serious problems caused by the silent “killer” of harmful blue light, expert Wit-Ecogreen guides you with 12 ways to protect your eyes when using your phone below.
How does excessive cell phone use affect the eyes?
Light from phones, computers, televisions, LED lights is harmful blue light. Blue light is visible light in the optical spectrum, with short wavelengths from about 450-495nm. Regular exposure to this type of light will affect, harm and damage, even cause the death of visual cells, especially retinal pigment epithelial cells, causing eye accommodation disorders. visual impairment and increased risk of blindness.
In addition, the wavelength of this light is short, so the focus of the image transmitted to the eye is not located in the center of the retina but located in front of the retina, which also causes the eyes to look tired and difficult to focus.
This phenomenon called screen vision syndrome is quite common in the 4.0 era. Research published on WebMD health information site shows that between 50% and 90% of people who work with computers and phones often experience symptoms such as blurred vision, dry eyes, eye pain.
Eye strain, double vision, difficulty concentrating, headaches, neck pain, fatigue
Especially for those who have the habit of looking at their phones in the dark, not only their vision can be affected, but it can also lead to temporary blindness. According to Cult of Mac, Dr. Qiu Wangjian of Songgang People’s Hospital in Shenzhen (China), received a case of retinal rupture due to excessive stress caused by the patient staying up late playing on his smartphone… The next morning, the patient resumed using his phone as soon as he woke up. About 5 minutes later, it was found that he could not see anything in his left eye.
According to the doctor’s diagnosis, the patient suffered temporary blindness due to retinal rupture after overuse. Fortunately, the doctor intervened in time to save the patient. This story is a wake-up call that overuse of smartphones has a huge impact on vision.
Many people wonder about the issues surrounding cell phone use, such as. Will I get nearsighted if I look at my phone too much? The answer is yes, according to scientists, looking at a cell phone without knowing how to protect your eyes can easily lead to refractive error of the eyes, including myopia.
In addition, many people ask whether to wear glasses when using cell phones. In this case, it is necessary to wear glasses, if not, the eyes have to be adjusted more, leading to more impaired vision.
12 ways to protect your eyes when using a cell phone at night
If you can’t “cut ties” with your phone completely, try applying these 12 ways to protect your eyes while using your phone to limit nearsightedness
1. Anti-glare screen stickers
Most mid- to high-end smartphones come with an anti-glare screen by default, but if your phone doesn’t support it, you can buy a cheap and affordable anti-glare screen. They make a big difference because they reduce the amount of blue light entering your eyes, thus providing better eye protection.
If you don’t want a new screen, you can simply install an app, such as the Bluelight Filter for Eye Care filter on Android that also reduces the amount of blue light entering your eyes, but is certainly not as effective as a standalone anti-glare screen. Standalone.
2. Adjust the brightness, contrast and font size on the screen
Brightness, contrast and text font size are the 3 factors that have the greatest impact on your vision. Too much or too little brightness and contrast can damage your eyes.
You can adjust the brightness that best suits your eyes, or you can use a self-adjusting application. Also, you shouldn’t use your phone for too long in low light and don’t stare at the screen in the dark.
As for the font size, don’t make it too small, otherwise it will strain your eyes, cause eye strain and reduce the viewing distance. It is recommended to adjust the font to a larger size to limit the adjustment of the eyes, which can protect the “window of the mind” more effectively.
3. Reduce motion effects on iOS
The perfect combination of moving images gives the iPhone and iPad screens a greater sense of depth and realism. However, it is this sudden effect that makes you feel dizzy and your eyes get tired and tighter more easily.
To turn off this effect, simply go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Reduce Motion and select Off.
4. Keep your phone 40-50 cm away from your eyes
Did you know that our eyes “hate” putting the phone too close? Why? Because the close distance between your eyes and your phone inadvertently shortens the “path” for blue light waves to reach your eyes, helping them to attack them faster and easier. Therefore, you should keep your phone away from your eyes, preferably 40-50 cm.
5. Apply the 20/20/20 rule.
This is a way to protect your eyes while using a cell phone, but the eyes must “say” thank you, our eyes are not meant to look too long at close range, but alternately to adapt to long distances in a few seconds. Or a few minutes before looking close.
This is why your eyes are “forced” to be overactive when you look at something up close for hours, or even when you read a book or stare at your phone screen.
6. Blink often
This is one of the ways many experts recommend to protect your eyes when using a cell phone. Blinking less often when using a cell phone causes dryness and fatigue in the eyes.
A natural way to moisturize and reduce irritation is to blink. This tip also helps reduce the negative effects of screen radiation and limits the attack of blue light on the retina of the eye.
7. Wear glasses to block blue light
If you are a person with a strong “passion” for smartphones, equip yourself with a pair of glasses that block blue light. Harmful blue light blocking glasses are made with special spectrum control technology that blocks or absorbs harmful blue light and even passing UV rays.
