Your Eyes Hate That Screen
By Editorial Staff
Screen time is an increasingly referenced public-health concern, and not just because it takes precious time away from doing more active pursuits such as exercising. Too much time spent staring at a screen affects your eyes, even elevating the incidence of a condition called myopia – more commonly known as nearsightedness.
Researchers reviewed 45 previously conducted studies involving more than 330,000 individuals, finding that increasing screen time increased the risk of developing myopia, with significant risk increases from one to four hours of daily digital screen time (smartphone, tablet, game console, computer, or television). Myopia risk increased more gradually after four hours per day.
According to the researchers, "Myopia prevalence is on the rise, with projections suggesting that by 2050, nearly one-half of the world's population will have it. ... This increase is coupled with earlier onset, faster progression, and greater severity." Is the proliferation of digital screen use the primary cause? These study findings certainly make a great case for the connection.
This is only one of a number of studies that link screen time with negative health and wellness outcomes. The takeaway (from those studies and this one): Limit your screen time in as many ways as possible. For tips and more information, click here.
