Doomscrolling and Eye Strain: Tips to Protect Your Vision
In today's digital age, doomscrolling has become an unfortunate reality for many of us. This term refers to the habit of endlessly scrolling through social media feeds filled with negative news and distressing updates. While it may seem harmless, this behavior can significantly impact our mental well-being as well as our physical health, particularly our eyes.
Excessive screen time exposes our eyes to blue light and glare, overstimulating the retina and leading to discomfort. When we focus intently on screens, we tend to blink 60% less, resulting in dryness and irritation. Unlike reading a book, where our gaze shifts, doomscrolling keeps our eyes locked at a single distance for extended periods, fatiguing the eye muscles.
Dr. Rishi Raj Borah, Country Director of Orbis India, sheds light on the strain caused by doomscrolling. He notes that the emotional toll of consuming negative news can contract the muscles around our eyes, enhancing discomfort. Since we rarely pause during this scrolling, our eyes miss out on essential breaks needed for recovery.
To combat eye strain, Dr. Borah recommends simple yet effective habits. Taking short breaks, such as looking away from the screen for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, can provide relief. Maintaining proper lighting, using anti-glare screens, and keeping devices at least 30 to 40 centimeters away from the eyes can further reduce strain.
Additionally, holistic lifestyle changes play a crucial role in supporting eye health. Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in stress-relief practices like deep breathing can help preserve our vision in this screen-centric environment. These small adjustments can have a significant impact on our overall well-being.
In conclusion, while screens are an essential part of our lives today, it's vital to develop mindful habits to protect our eyes. Incorporating practices like frequent blinking and regular breaks can alleviate strain and enhance our visual health. If we ignore these simple yet effective steps, the efforts to safeguard our eyes may go to waste in this increasingly digital world.
Remember, these tips are for general information and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance regarding your eye health.
