Tom Chang MD Has Advice for Healthy Eyes During COVID-19
Life during a pandemic is a constant balancing act of adapting to new processes and re-evaluating our priorities. To maintain the all-important social distancing, screens have become the whole day for many people. Meetings take place on Zoom, class assignments are submitted on digital dashboards, and breaks consist of turning to the smaller screen of a smartphone to check texts and shop online. Dr. Tom Chang MD, an accomplished clinician, surgeon, and co-founder of Acuity Eye Group, wants people to be aware of the impact this new way of life has on their eyes. Most electronics with screens, such as computers, tablets, phones, and televisions, emit blue light. This type of light is harmless in small doses, but when being constantly exposed to blue light it can result in digital eye strain. Effects of digital eye strain vary, but they can include headaches, poor sleep, dry eyes, and blurred vision.
Luckily, the tips offered by Tom Chang MD are nowhere near as complicated as most changes caused by living during a pandemic. They can easily be worked into a daily routine. While using electronics, he recommends implementing the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes on a digital device, look away for 20 seconds and focus on something 20 feet away. No cheating by focusing on another digital device! Tom Chang MD also recommends completely unplugging for a little while. An activity that doesn’t involve a digital device will give your eyes a rest from the blue light. Whether that’s not bringing your smartphone into the kitchen while you cook or even removing it from your bedroom while you sleep, your eyes will appreciate the break. We’re demanding more of our eyes than ever before, and it’s vital to take care of them.