Keep your eyes healthy with the 20-20-20 rule

Your eyes are constantly exposed to the screens of devices, whether you are connecting with mommy groups on social media or helping with your little one’s school presentation. Naturally, this could lead to vision problems by devices, in both adults and children.

While we wish we could just get rid of these devices altogether, at the same time, we know it’s impossible. So, how do we look after our own eyes and those of our kids, without ditching our screens?

Vision problems by devices: What do you need to know?

Looking at the tiny screens of your smartphones or tablets can lead to multiple eyesight issues. Some of them are blurred vision, headaches, sore eyes, muscle strain and dry eyes.

Experts say that out of every four eye patients, at least one has a problem of eye strain because of reading on a small screen. In a minute, you normally blink around 15 times. But when you are staring at a smartphone or any screen, the rate of your eyes blinking reduces by half.

Keep your child away from excessive screen time. | Image source: file photo

You may also suffer from Computer Vision Syndrome, wherein, your facial, neck and shoulder muscles tighten because you squint to read these screens. As a result, your eyes are fatigued. And this leads to blurred or strained vision.

Other problems caused by constant use of devices

There are other issues these devices can cause, such as impacting your balance and stability. This leads to dizziness.

Bedtime use of these devices can affect sleep patterns and reduce melatonin levels, no thanks to the blue light that screens emit.

The 20-20-20 rule can help in preventing vision problems by devices

So, what’s this much-talked about, 20-20-20 rule?

Image: Instagram

Instead of giving up on smartphones or devices, you can make a small change in the way you use them.

Every 20 minutes, take a break and look away from your device. Make sure that you are looking at a distance of 20 feet for at least 20 seconds.

Simple, right? But despite its simplicity, this method can be a great help in maintaining the health of your eyes. It will give your eyes much needed rest, preventing fatigue and strain. As a result, many vision problems by devices, such as headaches, soreness and blurriness, can be avoided.

The 20-20-20 rule is specially important with kids. As parents, you can set key rules to help your kids understand self-control and why they should use electronic devices in moderation.

So moms and dads, start this practice in your homes right away and keep vision problems by devices at bay.

Source: Your Sight Matters

ALSO READ: Woman goes blind in one day by playing on mobile

Republished with permission from: theAsianParent Singapore