Teenagers and adults are frequently seen chatting on their mobiles or working on the computers, thus making their eyes stare on the bright displays of their favorite digital media devices for long hours. These continuous eye-contact with the glaring bright lights emitted from the devices exerts strain on the eyes. Moreover, when the lighting arrangements inside the room is not sufficient, or the individual prefers to use the computer in a low-light or dark environment, is like really asking for trouble! . Do you remember, as a child when you got a scolding from your parents when they would find you devouring an interesting novel under the dim lights of the bedside lamp?
Research Data: Study results from a research by Lighting Research Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on effects of lighting arrangement in a room, on the human eye, presented interesting facts about eye straining. Viewing television was found to be causing visual discomfort, eye muscle fatigue, frequent blinking and eyestrain in lower rates with an adequately illuminated background Wallas compared to when the background wall was completely dark. It also showed that extent of focusing and processing of viewed information was also slightly better and quicker in the participants in the illuminated background group.
So what is best for me? Ophthalmologists opine that staring or looking at a small and bright screen of smartphone, PC or TV for long duration will not cause irreversible damage or deterioration to our eyesight , it can certainly hurt, irritate and strain the eyes if you are straining beyond your comfort level. So here’s what you can do to enjoy your device and not put any additional strain on your eyes while you are doing so.If television, smart-phone and computer usage is unavoidable at night, the room should not be completely dark and surrounding light should be present around the work area. Such lighting shall not create glare on the screen, thus reducing the eyestrain.
- The display setting of the PC or mobile should be adjusted. Less brightness, moderate contrast, lower color saturation and minimum gamma emission should be set. These days, PCs come with “mild” or “Eco” display feature too. Recommendation for television goes likewise.
- Best recommended technique to reduce chances of eye problems from strained viewing in darker environment is to look away from screen every 20 minutes, and gaze at a distance of about 20 feet apart from you for 20 seconds. Maintaining a distance of an arm’s length from the PC or mobile, and a two-feet distance while watching TV, is advised for safe viewing.
