The Hidden Dangers of Screen Time
A Nation of Screen Slaves
We’re hooked on our screens, and it’s taking a toll on our bodies. The average person spends nearly seven hours a day staring at screens, with a staggering 150 checks on their phone daily. This addiction has led to a new phenomenon: nomophobia, or the fear of being without a mobile device.
The Alarming Consequences
But our screen obsession is more than just a social issue; it’s causing real harm to our bodies. Seven in 10 millennials experience digital eye strain, which includes symptoms like dry eyes, headaches, and lack of focus. The problem isn’t the act of staring itself, but rather our tendency to blink less frequently when looking at screens, leading to dry, itchy eyes.
The Blue Light Menace
Another culprit is blue light, which our devices emit in abundance. This light signals to our brain to stop producing melatonin, the chemical that regulates sleep. The result? Sleep deprivation and potential long-term damage to our retinas.
Breaking Free from Screen-Induced Symptoms
Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate the damage. Dr. Lisa Park, an ophthalmologist at NYU Langone Medical Center, recommends taking regular breaks to look away from your screen and focus on something distant. And, we’ve found seven free tools to help you do just that:
1. f.lux: A Sleep-Friendly Solution
f.lux adjusts the blue light emitted from your screen based on the time of day, helping you wind down before bed. (Mac, Windows, Linux, iPhone/iPad)
2. Twilight: Android’s Answer to f.lux
Similar to f.lux, Twilight alters the hue of light emitted from your Android device based on your local sunrise and sunset times.
3. Calise: Customized Brightness Control
Calise takes brightness control to the next level by using your computer’s webcam to capture data on your light environment and adjust your screen’s brightness accordingly. (Mac, Windows, Linux)
4. eyeCare: The 20-20-20 Rule Made Easy
This Chrome extension reminds you to follow the 20-20-20 rule: look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. You can even customize the prompts to include eye exercises.
5. Time Out: Break Reminders for a Healthier You
Time Out automatically fades your screen to give you regular breaks, complete with soothing music options. (Mac, iPhone, iPad)
6. Ergonomics: Stretch Your Way to Comfort
Don’t forget about your body! Ergonomics provides desk-friendly stretches and computer setup adjustments to reduce strain and stress. (iOS)
7. iReader: A Clean Reading Experience
iReader removes cluttered ads and distractions from webpages, giving you a clean white page with just the text you need. (Chrome, Firefox)
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