Digital age and eye health – how much does technology distance us from nature, and how far from health?

The modern rhythm of life has separated us from nature and tied us to digital devices, i.e. screens. That’s right the average person today spends about 90% of his time indoorssurrounded by screens, artificial lighting and technology, which dictates our way of life.

Such a lifestyle can have serious consequences for our physical and mental health, that is, primarily for the senses that connect us to the outside world. This is especially true of vision, because they eyes bear the greatest burden of technology – long-term exposure to blue light emitted by screens can lead to eye fatigue, dry eyes, irritation, severe headaches, and more serious vision problems.

In the past, people naturally developed their sense of sight, by observing the landscape they sharpened their vision and improved their focus, while today we mostly look at a static point on the screen.

Yes, technological progress has brought numerous benefits – we communicate more easily and quickly with those who are far away, information is more accessible to us, because the world has become a global village, and various household appliances have deprived us of tedious work. However, as much as technology has given us, it has also taken something away from us – it has kept us glued to the screens. Most of us spend hours and hours every day in front of the television, computer, phone, and this inevitably leads to strain and deterioration of vision.

Today, digital eye strain is a disease that affects more than 50% of the world’s populationand it includes irritation, burning and dryness of the eyes, as well as frequent headaches, but also pain in the neck. Experts are increasingly warning that static vision, which means focusing on the near or on the screen, affects the reduction of the flexibility of the eye muscles. This problem can become very serious, because if preventive measures are not taken, digital eye fatigue can lead to progressive myopia and a serious problem with focusing the gaze.

Children are especially at risk, because they are exposed to screens from birth, and they are also in the period when their vision is still developing. The fact that more and more children in primary schools are faced with the need to wear glasses is also worrying, precisely because of myopia caused by excessive looking at the screen.

Health care always starts with the doctor, but it doesn’t end there. When it comes to vision, a visit to an ophthalmologist is recommended even if the person does not have diopter. Many optical shops they also offer the possibility of an ophthalmological examination, and certainly play a key role in preserving vision, providing corrective means, but also education.

If you don’t have major vision problems, it would be a good idea to buy glasses with a blue light filterwhich will contribute to better focus and significantly reduce eye fatigue. In addition, optical shops will offer suitable solutions for your problem, because there is a large selection of glasses made of light material, which will not create an additional burden.

In addition, those who have diopters can find them in optical shops lenses for working on the computer. Of course, if there is already a health problem, it is necessary to check the vision at least once a year, in order to monitor the condition. Also, all those who do not like to wear glasses can get advice on the correct use and use of lenses from the experts from the optical shop, who will also recommend the type of lenses in accordance with the diagnosis and dioptre.

In addition, optical shops can offer prescription glasses that have the possibility of darkening due to contact with sunlight – so-called photogrey glasses. That way you get a 2 in 1 option – both eyeglasses and sunglasses. It is extremely important to protect the eyes from UV radiation, especially in the summer months, and great attention should be paid to glasses. Many of us buy sunglasses in stores that are not specialized, and a low-quality product, that is, sunglasses, can additionally tire the eyes, but also lead to deterioration of vision.

Experts recommend spending at least two hours a day in nature, that is, outdoors. Natural light and looking into the distance will stimulate the eye muscles and reduce the risk of progressive myopia. In addition to the benefits for our vision, nature also provides mental rest, freeing us from the stress that the digital world often brings with it.

Weekends, during which we give up technology and spend time outdoors, are becoming more and more popular around the world, which is why they got the name “Screen detox weekends”. However, no matter how funny it sounds, this is not just a trend, but a necessity, because it brings us back to the basic needs of our body.

It is especially important to take breaks while working on the computer, and experts advise that you look away from the screen at least every half hour to an hour. In addition, it is recommended to moisten the eyes preventively with drops, especially for people who look at the computer for more than ten hours a day. As there are many different types of eye drops, optician’s shops can be the right place for advice.

It is especially important that children play outside, and that they learn in time that the balance in the use of technology is key to preserving their vision, but also their overall physical and mental health.

Source: www.economy.rs