Ilaria Rosella Pagliaro Watching TV for hours can tire your eyes: the 20-20-20 rule and other precautions, such as adjusting the brightness and maintaining the right distance, help prevent visual fatigue
While many people enjoy watching television as a form of leisure, it can be straining on the eyes after continuous time in front of the screen. Eye fatigue is quite a common issue, though temporary; it causes discomforts like dry eyes, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
The good thing about these discomforts is that they are easily preventable by adopting just a few simple habits, such as following the 20-20-20 rule, perfect for resting your eyes and keeping them healthy.
Dr. Sergio Ares, Ophthalmologist and Country Manager of Clinica Baviera Italia explains:
“While the television is not directly the cause of serious eye pathologies, excessive and continued vision can provoke problems such as eye fatigue. At Clinica Baviera, we recommend that the following simple recommendations be followed to avoid compromising or damaging your visual health.”
Maintain proper distance from the screen
Sitting at the right distance from your TV is important. Sit at least two to three times the diagonal measurement of your TV screen away from it. For example, if your TV is 50 inches, aim for a viewing distance of at least 6.5 feet. This will help reduce eye strain and enhance your viewing experience.
Optimize room lighting
It is equally important to have proper lighting in the room. When watching TV in a dark room, the eyes have to work harder to adjust to the contrast between the brightness of the screen and the darkness of the surroundings. Keep the environment softly lit to maintain a balanced visual experience.
Protect your eyes without giving up your favorite shows
A simple but efficient way to take care of your eyes is following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from the screen and focus on an object about 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. The exercise relaxes your eye muscles and helps prevent visual fatigue.
Additionally, take regular breaks. Even if you’re engrossed in a film, pause occasionally to stand, move around, and rest your eyes. These breaks not only benefit your vision but also contribute to overall well-being.
For those who spend hours before a TV or computer screen, these blue-light-blocking glasses will be game-changers. These ingenious glasses filter out harmful blue light and UV400 rays, reducing eye fatigue and improving comfort. They’re available online for just about $21.
With minor changes such as these, along with the support of blue-light-blocking glasses, you can watch TV without discomfort to your eyes or an end to your favorite programs.
