Three Ways to Achieve Healthier Vision
Maintaining healthy vision has become more important than ever. In the digital world we live in today our eyes are constantly strained. Surrounded by smartphones, tablets, TVs, and even fluorescent lights, adults and children alike are exposed to an unprecedented level of blue light in today's world.
Excessive blue light exposure may contribute to digital eye strain, also referred to as computer vision syndrome, and can come with symptoms such as dry eyes, blurred vision, tired eyes, sore eyes, and watery eyes. These symptoms can be easily overlooked as we go about our busy days. Defending your eyes against digital eye strain will help you feel healthier and more energized throughout your day!
What Causes Digital Eye Strain?
Using a computer or any kind of digital screen often makes our eyes work harder. The high visual demands of digital screens can make many individuals susceptible to the development of vision-related symptoms. Reading from a screen is different than reading from a printed page—the letters on a screen are not as precise or sharply defined which can make viewing difficult.
Another factor to consider is the distance and angle used when reading from a computer or other digital device. It's often different from those commonly used for other reading or writing tasks. The movements and focusing that the eyes are required to do can place additional demands on the visual system.
Look Out for Your Eyes
Keeping track of overall screen time is important to you and your family's wellness, forty-eight percent of kids are now spending more than six hours online every day. Expert organizations have created guidance for parents when it comes to screen time. The World Health Organization’s 2019 guidelines suggest no screen time at all for children before age 1, and very limited screen time for children for several years after that.
Digital eye strain affects people of all ages though. Blue light wakes us up and stimulates us, whether it's from the sun or from the screens we use. This is why you may have trouble sleeping after using your phone or other digital devices right before going to bed.
Use Your Benefits to Protect Your Health and Vision
As a FEDVIP member, you have VSP LightCareTM included in your benefits.* LightCare allows you to use your vision benefits for ready-made non-prescription blue light filtering glasses that help protect your eyes from digital strain, or sunglasses, even if you don't need prescription eyewear.
Click here to watch our video and learn more about VSP LightCareTM
If you are a High Option Plan member, you also have TechShield® Blue included in your benefits. TechShield Blue is a lens coating designed to combat digital eye strain by reducing exposure to blue light. Log in to your vsp.com account to view your benefits.
How to Achieve Healthier Vision
We have three tips that can help you achieve healthier vision:
- Ask the expert—Talk to your VSP network doctor about your lifestyle and ask about the best options for combating digital eye strain. Even if you don't wear corrective lenses, some blue light coatings are available for non-prescription eyewear.
- Unplug before bed—Power down your devices before heading to bed. Also consider lowering the brightness of your screen or enabling blue light filters such as night mode.
- Give your eyes a break—Whenever you find yourself spending time looking at a digital device, be sure to take frequent breaks. Get up, stretch, and give your eyes a rest.
See Your Eye Doctor Today
Healthy vision starts with regular eye exams! Visiting your VSP network eye doctor at least once per year will help to ensure you are staying on top of digital eye strain symptoms, as well as any other eye health concerns.
*LightCare utilizes your plans lens and frame benefit in lieu of prescription glasses or contacts.