Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a condition that is quickly rising in this country. Quite nearly an eye health epidemic, the reasons for this rapidly growing problem are multiple and may be surprising.
Smaller Screens
Your smartphone is only one of the culprits degrading your eyesight. Though phone screens have increased in size over the last years, people are spending more time using their phones for email, tasking, social media and communication. E-readers, tablets, and netbooks are equally problematic but not to the extent of your small smartphone screen. Take a break from your technology once in a while in an effort to enhance your eye health.
Intense Computer Work
Most of us have jobs that involve a computer to some degree. Certain professions have you facing a computer for 8+ hours daily, plus then you go home to surf the web or stream videos. All of this computer work causes extreme eye strain, eye focus issues and eye alignment problems. One way to rescue yourself from the hours of intensive screen-staring is to take a 20-20-20 break reliably. For every 20 minutes of computer work, take 20 seconds to steer your focus to a point 20 feet away. This allows your eyes to change focus and rest for a moment, improving your eye health and comfort.
More Indoor Time
One factor in the increase of myopia over the past few decades is that people are spending less time outdoors. The lesser quality light of an indoor environment is harder on the eyes and forces you to focus more intensely to see objects. Add to that the fact that natural light has an effect on the growth of the eye that seems to help reduce the cases of myopia, and you’ll have even more reason to spend time outdoors. Children should spend 10-14 hours a week outside for full benefit. Be sure to protect them with a hat and sunscreen.
Myopia can come from multiple sources, some of which you can affect. Give your eyes a break as much as possible and consult your Phoenix Eye health specialist for any vision problems.
