Tips for Healthy Screen Time

The world has changed. Our workplace has changed. Our usual forms of leisure have changed. 

We are now living in a world where our access to technology and screen time has never been easier. As more of our time is spent indoors with a screen, we need to be aware of the best practices to limit the damage to our eyes. 

I’ve teamed up with the team over at EyePromise® to provide some simple tips to make sure your eyes are staying healthy. We wanted to provide the full spectrum of knowledge, from ergonomic tips to supplementation and nutrition. 

Ergonomic Considerations

Missing your office desk and chair? Set up your workstation at home the right way. 

1. Keep the monitor approximately arm’s length away

2. Place your primary monitor directly in front of midline

3. Make sure eye level is at the upper ⅓ of the monitor

4. Keep your laptop on a stand to allow for proper head positioning 

Take appropriate breaks

Don’t stay glued to your screen or desk all day. 

1. Get up, move, stretch, and walk

2. Resist the urge to trade in one screen for another

3. Grab a healthy snack or hydrate

4. Use the 20/20/20 Rule: Rest your eyes every 20 minutes by looking at an object 20 ft away for 20 seconds

Snacking

Looking for easy snack ideas? Try these savory and sweet choices. 

1. Savory

   1. A handful of almonds or pistachios

   2. Popcorn

   3. Hummus and Cut veggies (the more color, the better)

2. Sweet

   1. Frozen blueberries

   2. Apple with almond butter

   3. Dark chocolate (70%+ cacao) 

Shield your eyes

Don’t forget to protect your eyes from the effects of screen time. 

1. Adjust your screen’s brightness and make sure screens are properly backlit

2. Turn on night shift to warmer tones and especially in the evening

3. Wear proper eyewear, whether prescription or blue light glasses

4. Supplementation is essential, take a vitamin to combat the effects of blue light naturally. 

Hopefully, you were able to pick out a couple of above tips to implement immediately into your setup and routine. I always recommend starting slowly and continue to add pieces to the improvement process.

Nutrition and supplementation are crucial for the health of your eyes for both short term and long term health. Whether you suffer from tired eyes, occasionally dry eye, or eye strain, EyePromise’s Screen Shield™ line of eye vitamins has you covered. 

On a personal note, I’ve been using the product for a little over a month now. I’ve personally noted a decrease in the frequency and intensity of my “eye floaters” which have been present as long as I can remember. I’ve also noticed a reduction in the dryness/tacky feeling of my contacts towards the end of the day.

As I’ve always stated on this blog, I’m transparent and upfront with my readers, so when a product works, I’ll be exact on what I’ve experienced. As is the case when a product doesn’t work, I’ll be the first to tell you.

Stay safe, and keep your peepers healthy!

Thanks for reading,

Dr. Drew