How Too Much Screen Time Impacts Your Eyes – Invite Health Podcast, Episode 67
Invite Health Podcast, Episode hosted by Amanda Williams, MPH
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Right now, everyone is glued to a screen – their cell phones as they scroll aimlessly through social media apps or sitting at their computer as they work from home. On average, we check our phones about 50 times per day! Because of this, we have to understand that, overtime, this can create potential damage to our eyes. This occurs not only from the blue light but the fatigue and strain within the eye muscles. The good news is that there are some nutrients that can be beneficial to your eyes.
The Damaging Effects of Blue Light
The same way you wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun outside, is the same way you should be following healthy practices that protect your eyes from the blue light emitted from your screen. LED light from our cell phones can emit upwards of 35% of retina-threatening blue light. This can create age-related eye disease, macular degeneration or cataracts.
Digital eye strain can happen relatively fast, especially with individuals who are consistently on their cell phones or looking at a computer screen. You may experience blurred vision, dry eyes, and headaches.
Nutrients To Support Eye Health
This is why you need to make sure you are providing your body the nutrients it needs to fight off the impact of that damage. But 75% of Americans are not getting adequate fruit intake (2 cups per day). And an alarming 87% of Americans are not getting adequate vegetable intake.
Powerful carotenoids that you can find in certain fruits and vegetables are very beneficial for eye health. Carrots are one that contain these carotenoids, or antioxidants. Right now, it may not be that easy to have access to some of these foods but you can find them in key products, such as Reds Hx and Greens Hx. These are extremely powerful superfoods that can provide your body the nutrients it needs to support healthy eyes.
Adhering to a Mediterranean diet can be extremely beneficial. Targeted nutrients like Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
Lutein is very important for the health of our eyes. But it also has been shown in studies to have benefit for your cardiovascular system. Lutein is a carotenoid that can be found in vegetables and plants, including green leafy vegetables like kale. Lutein has been shown to target advanced glycation and help support healthy vision.
Healthy Screen Time Tips
- Take a break each hour from looking at a screen for about 20 minutes
- Turn off your phone or computer about an hour before going to bed
- Cover the small LED light coming from your cable box
Thank you for tuning in to the Invite Health Podcast. You can find all of our episodes for free wherever you listen to podcasts or by visiting www.invitehealth.com/podcast. Make sure you subscribe and leave us a review! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at Invite Health today. We’ll see you next time on another episode of the Invite Health Podcast.
