On your phone right now? Here’s why you need to give your eyes a break

MANILA, Philippines — These days, almost every move we make is done with gadgets.

Whether it’s working or keeping ourselves entertained, we’re surrounded by screens each waking moment.

For internet-obsessed Filipinos, this is the norm.

In this multi-screen world, we use a variety of gadgets everyday. According to Nerve, a data insights company, smartphones are the most popular, thanks to their accessibility and convenience.

Laptops and desktops are far behind, but they’re still used heavily. 44% of Filipinos are on their laptops and desktops on the daily for work or school.

And even after we clock out at 6pm, our gadgets don’t stray far from our fingertips. 49.70% continue to use their devices after work or school 7 days a week.

Our reasons for doing so are reflective of who we are as a people.

First, we stay in touch with our loved ones constantly through SMS and messaging apps. Second, we love keeping up with pop culture with videos, movies, and series. And third, we keep ourselves updated by scrolling through social networking sites.

Turning a blind eye

But these habits come at a price.

Digital Vision Syndrome is the result of constant gadget use and exposure to blue light. Sunlight, fluorescent and LED lighting, and electronic screens all radiate blue wavelengths.

Blue light is beneficial during the day, but wreak havoc on the body and eyes upon extended exposure during nighttime. Negative effects include sleep disruption and eye strain.

In the survey, it was found that 91% of Filipinos experience symptoms of Digital Vision Syndrome. Have you experienced any of these yourself?

We overexert our eyes with gadgets, but getting our eyes checked isn’t exactly a top priority for most of us. 50.58% of Filipinos don’t visit optometrists regularly, or can’t even remember the last time they did.

#SeeMore with 20/20 vision

While the amount of time we spend with our gadgets is sometimes unavoidable, we need to take steps to make sure its negative effects are counteracted.

Check out a few simple ways you can avoid DVS:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule — take a break from your gadgets every 20 minutes to view something 20 feet away for 20 seconds

• Get your eyes checked every 1-2 years

• Protect your eyes from your screens with blue shield lenses

• Avoid using your gadgets right before you sleep

• Keep your eyes hydrated by blinking properly

Most of these won’t take more than a minute. If you think about it, destroying your eyes takes more time than taking care of them.

Here’s to seeing more with ideal vision! – Rappler.com