It’s estimated that on average, Americans spend more than 10 hours a day looking at a screen.
Big or small, they have us riveted. But all that light and near-focus can take a toll on your eyes and body.
What steps can you take to ensure that you don’t damage and strain your eyes over the long run?
According to Atlantic.com, experts have these bits of advice.
Try to sit at least an arm’s length away from your screen. Do a ‘high-five’ test. You should be able to give your screen a good palm face, with your arm completely outstretched. Have to bend it? It’s too close.
Related: 7 Things You Should Avoid Doing With Your Eyes
You should also keep your screen just below eye level. Any higher, and you could be straining your neck. And remember to take those tiny breaks every 20 minutes. Look up! Give yourself a chance to glance about 20 feet ahead of you, just to stretch those eye muscles back out.
Last but not least, don’t forget to blink. It may sound crazy, but we really do let our eyes dry out when looking at screens. I’ll never forget my toddler sitting there with tears streaming down his face, as he stared at a movie for the first time. It wasn’t the content that was sad, but his eyes and mind that had become entranced.“Blink! Blink!” his dad yelled. I’d never really thought about it.
Moral of the story? Take care of your eyes and you’ll be thankful down the road.
