Hidden Dangers of Too Much Screen Time

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The number of screens in our lives seems to increase exponentially. No matter where you are, you’ll encounter a screen. They’re used in fast food restaurant menus, drive-thrus, in car parks, banks, supermarkets and more. And that’s not even including the screens you and your family use at work, school and at home. They’re everywhere. It’s becoming impossible to avoid them completely. Still, youroptometrist in Jesup, GAwants you to be aware of how important it is to limit screen time as much as you reasonably can. There are too many hidden dangers to take this lightly. They include:

Eye Strain

Did you know that when you’re looking at a screen you blink only a fraction of the amount of times that you normally blink? Staring at a screen for extended periods forces the eyes to work harder, leading to discomfort and fatigue. One of the most immediate effects of too much screen time is digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. Symptoms include dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches and neck or shoulder pain.

Exposure to Blue Light

Our screens haven’t been around long enough for us to realize the true cost of too much screen time. But we do know that digital screens emit blue light, which has the potential to damage the retina. Furthermore, too much exposure to blue light disrupts the body’s natural sleep systems, blocking the production of melatonin. In turn, too much exposure to blue light leads to insomnia, daytime fatigue and brain fog, so it’s especially important to avoid screens in the hours leading up to bedtime.

Increased Risk of Myopia

There is growing evidence that excessive screen time, especially in children, is linked to the development and progression of myopia, or nearsightedness. Spending long hours focusing on close-up screens can alter the shape of the eye over time, leading to myopia. Encouraging outdoor activities and regular breaks from screens can help reduce the risk.

Impact on Children’s Eye Health

Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of excessive screen time. Their eyes are still developing, and prolonged screen use can interfere with this process.

Regular visits with youroptometrist in Jesup, GA can help to catch some of the hidden dangers early. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

The Unfiltered Truth About Aging Eyesight

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As you age, many new health concerns can arise. However, seeking a comprehensive eye exam in Brunswick, GA, is just as important as scheduling a visit to the doctor for a physical checkup. Age does affect your vision and visual health, but this is nothing to fear with a good relationship with your chosen optometrist. Take a look at a few things to know about eye health as you age below.

Presbyopia Demystified: What to Expect as You Age

Presbyopia is an age-related vision change that occurs when the eye’s lens loses flexibility, which in turn affects the ability to focus on close objects. This common condition becomes noticeable as you age, as reading or close work may become more challenging. Understanding presbyopia is crucial for those entering their later years. Therefore, learning about its symptoms and the need for reading glasses or contact lenses is a good idea.

Busting Myths About Declining Night Vision

Older eyes may take longer to adjust to the darkness, which can be to blame for affecting one’s ability to see clearly at night. However, not all people will struggle to see clearly at night as they age. In fact, some individuals may face more issues driving in the bright sunlight than the low light as they get older.

Coping Strategies for Age-Related Vision Changes

Coping with vision changes as you age involves adapting to evolving needs. You may need to discuss your needs with an optometrist and find optical solutions that can help with visual acuity in different circumstances. Follow good lighting practices in your typical environments, utilize magnifying aids for reading, and maintain regular eye checkups to support your eyes as they change. These strategies allow you to navigate and adapt to age-related vision changes for continued visual well-being.

Discuss Your Vision with a Brunswick Eye Doctor

Aging affects vision, but with a trusted Brunswick, GA optometrist, there’s no need to be concerned about your visual health future. Careful monitoring and routine discussions with your eye doctor can make all the difference. If you have concerns about your visual health as you age, be sure to reach out to the team at Vision Source to schedule an appointment.

What’s Happening to My Night Vision?

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Many people have difficulty seeing well at night. However, if your night vision, or lack of it, is getting in the way of essential tasks like driving, it’s time to talk to your eye doctor in Brunswick, GA. Impaired night vision can be caused by a more serious medical condition, so scheduling a routine eye exam should top your to-do list.

Symptoms of Impaired Night Vision

If you’re noticing any of the following symptoms after the sun goes down, it may mean there’s a problem that needs to be addressed:

  • Seeing halos around oncoming headlights
  • Inability to see the stars in the night sky
  • Vision seems blurry or cloudy in low light
  • Eyes feel sensitive to light
  • Difficulty making out small details or recognizing faces in low light

Several medical conditions can cause symptoms such as these, and the sooner you have a diagnosis, the sooner you can begin treatment to save your vision.

Why You May Have Difficulty Seeing at Night

Your eye doctor can perform a series of exams to determine why you’re experiencing difficulty. Results could include a range of chronic conditions that require treatment, including the following:

Cataracts

Cataracts cause a cloudy film to form across the lens of your eye. One of the first symptoms of cataracts may be impaired night vision. Often, cataracts can be treated through simple eye surgery, where the affected lens is removed and replaced by one that’s artificial.

Vitamin Deficiency

Your body needs specific vitamins to perform at its best, and if you’re low on vitamin A, night blindness may result. You can get vitamin A by eating lots of green, orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables.

Diabetes

Uncontrolled diabetes may cause abnormal blood vessels to form in the retina. These vessels may leak, leaving blood deposits that make it difficult to see.

Other medical conditions, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, may also affect your ability to see at night. That’s why it’s important to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor at least once a year.

Help for Impaired Night Vision in Brunswick, GA

If you need help with poor night vision in Brunswick, GA, we encourage you to call Vision Source Signature Eye Care today.