We spend a lot of time in front of screens. And this, says experts, can be tough on your eyes.
No matter what type of screen you’re looking at, it’s hard for us to go a day, let alone an hour without squinting at a screen. In fact, in 2014 it was reported that in the U.S. we spend an average of 7.4 hours every day looking at screens, with the majority of our time spent looking at our smartphones and TV screens, followed by computers and tablets.
What does this mean? Over-exposure to computer screens can cause your eyes to lose their ability to function properly say Friends for Sight. Here are some tips they suggest to keep your eyes seeing clearly:
- Keep the computer roughly 30 inches away from your eyes.
- Rest your eyes every 15 minutes.
- Remember to blink frequently. This simple action reduces dry eye and maintains eye health.
What else can you do? Try these nutrients to keep you seeing clearly:
Both Lutein and Zeaxanthin Extract are two types of carotenoids—a class of yellow, orange or red fat-soluble pigments, which give the macula in the eye its yellowish color. These nutrients function as a filter for light, protecting the eyes’ tissues from harmful light waves, including those from the sun or computer screens. In doing so, they reduce the risk of damage that could lead to macular degeneration and cataracts.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin also are thought to have antioxidant properties. Along with other antioxidants such as Vitamins A, C, E, and selenium, they play a role in promoting eye health by fighting off the damage of free radicals, which can destroy healthy cells and cause many diseases. Studies have shown nutritional supplements and multivitamins containing a combination of vitamins and lutein and zeaxanthin to reduce the risk of macular degeneration.