posted from: http://vspblog.com/national-day-of-unplugging-a-digital-detox-for-your-eyes/

I’ll be the first to admit I need my phone. When I say need, I mean NEEEEEED! But while my face is buried in the alluring low glow of my phone, I’ve occasionally missed conversations and run into more doors and walls than I’m willing to admit. You know what though? I have no shame in my phone game! Because I know I’m not alone.

According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, nearly half the number of people surveyed said their phone is something they can’t live without. Many people either sleep with or next to their phone. Fellow phone addicts, I think it might be time for a digital detox.

March 3-4 is National Day of Unplugging. For 24 hours, you’re encouraged to ditch your devices and focus on other things like family, the outdoors, and enjoying life. Not only is this healthy for your social skills, it’s good for your eyes.

Staring at your phone, TV, tablet, or computer can cause digital eye strain. All of these devices emit high-energy blue light, which can contribute to dry, tired, irritated eyes, and blurred vision.

So do yourself a favor and take the day off from your phone. Your eyes will thank you for it.

Unfortunately, the minute that clock runs out (maybe even before), we’ll all creep back to our digital ways. While a cold turkey approach may not be feasible for long periods of time, remember there are things that you can do to give your eyes a break on a daily basis.

Observe the 20/20/20 rule: Give your eyes a break every 20 minutes and spend 20 seconds looking at something at least 20 feet away.
Maintain digital distance: Find a comfortable working distance from your screen.
Lower your screen’s brightness: Do you seriously need your phone to look like the homing beacon for moths? Also, it drains your batteries. Every true phone addict knows, that’s a no go.
Talk to your doctor about lenses that reduce blue light exposure. Whether you wear glasses for medical purposes or not, you can get lenses with coatings that filter blue light.  Find a VSP eye doctor near you.

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