MEEKER | Much like the fad of smoking in the 1950s and 1960s, technology has become a normal obsession of the public with little research on the physical effects that may occur from excessive screen time.
The average person spends two and a half hours a day on social media alone. That does not take into account things like time spent on the computer at work or watching TV with the family. A limited amount of studies have been conducted in reference to the effects of blue light emitted by screens and the resulting data is quite controversial.
Researchers from the University of California—Davis (UC-Davis) say that blue light can cause age-related macular degeneration, which in layman’s terms is a disease that can severely affect a person’s central vision, in extreme cases causing blindness. The American Optometric Association recommends applying the 20-20-20 rule to screen time. After 20 minutes of screen time take a 20-second break to stare at something at least 20 feet away. This rule is said to decrease the strain on your eyes from the screen.
Eye strain is just one of the several symptoms that are said to be related to blue light exposure. The other highly talked about symptoms are sleep patterns disruption and possible sleep deprivation. The research facility Harvard Health says that blue light before bed greatly depletes quality of sleep due to its effect on the creation of melatonin. However, a study at UC—Davis also indicates some positive effects, such as the boosting of alertness, memory, brain function and mood.
Local chiropractor Dr. Michael Que says that he sees negative symptoms from the use of screens “daily” in his practice. He says that he has been seeing several symptoms such as postural issues and tightness in the chest which can lead to shoulder issues, misalignment which can lead to grinding of joints, and arthritis. Though arthritis may not seem like it is out of the ordinary, he states, “Arthritis used to be considered an old person thing, but I’ve seen it in people in their 20s from things like being hunched over all the time.”
It can be agreed that this expectation of using the 20-20-20 rule can be rather impractical as is the thought of drastically limiting screen time as it is an essential tool in most work and educational environments. However, it is important we recognize the risks of excessive screen time and be aware of how our bodies may be affected.
By MYLAH GALLEGOS
