An average adult will spend about 44 years watching screens, many emitting blue light. Blue light is high-energy visible (HEV) light that the human eye can see. Due to its short wavelength, it produces higher amounts of energy, allowing it to penetrate the eye through the cornea and lens, reaching to the retina at the back of the eye. Over time this can cause damage to retinal cells and affect sleep quality and long-term eye health.
To help support your eyes and your overall wellness, here are some best practices:
- Take regular breaks from screens using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, shift your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Focus on fully blinking - studies have shown that we blink 70% less when looking at screens, and when we do, our eyes don’t close completely.
- Drink more water to stay hydrated - this keeps your eyes from becoming dry.
- Take a break from blue light at night at least two hours before bedtime.
- Use blue light glasses - either prescription or they are easily found online.
- If your device has it, utilize the blue light screen filter.
- Use eye drops (you don’t have to have dry eyes for this!)
- Massage your eyes by softly making circles over your closed eyelids with a bit of eye cream.
- Take at least 10mg of lutein and 1-2 mg of zeaxanthin, preferably from RidgeCrest Herbals’ EssentialEyes®
