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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Summer is a binge-watcher’s ideal season—not only can you finally catch up on those TV shows you were too busy to watch when they first aired, but you also have time to watch the latest releases as soon as they’re available. 73% of Americans binge-watch an average of 20 hours a week—and 6 in 10 say they like to see the whole story in one sitting.
One thing to keep in mind is that all this binge-watching can take a toll on your eyes. According to NYC-based optometrist Dr. Susan Resnick, we tend to blink our eyes less often when intently watching something on a TV/movie screen or digital device. Because blinking helps spread a fresh layer of tears across the surface of the eyes to keep them moist, the decreased blinking caused by binge-watching can lead to dry eye syndrome—and the discomfort that comes with it.
To keep your eyes in tip-top shape during a binge-watching session, Dr. Resnick recommends these five tips:
- Moisturize Your Eyes: Over-the-counter eye drops like Rohto Dry-Aid should be your first step to minimize dryness and discomfort caused by too much screen time. “Rohto Dry-Aid brings fast-acting relief, and it’s long-lasting (12 hours) to keep eyes comfortable throughout your TV or movie marathon,” she notes.
- Follow the 20/20/20 Rule: Take a break from looking at the screen at least every 20 minutes. During these breaks, direct your gaze across the room (at least 20 feet away) and blink frequently. Do this for at least 20 seconds.
- Take a Break and (De)compress: On a commercial break or in between episodes, put a warm compress on your eyelids. This will improve the quality of your tears by releasing oil in your eyelid’s glands.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help restore moisture to your eyelids
- Look Ahead—but not too close: Make sure you are not looking up at the TV or digital device screen as this puts your eyelids in an unnatural position, leading to even less effective blinking and tear spreading… so prop your head (and your feet, if you wish) up! Also important if you are watching on one of your digital devices: maintain proper space between your eyes and your screens. Dr. Resnick recommends adjusting the monitor height so that the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level. “Your eyes should look slightly below eye level. Your eyes should look slightly downward while viewing the middle of the screen. Position the monitor no closer than 20 inches (51 cm) from your eyes. A good rule of thumb is an arm’s length distance,” she says. https://www.eyewise.com/