Tools for Travelers: Mobile Devices and Your Eyesight

Since the advent of the smartphone in 1997, several studies have noticed an increased in the number of young people who suffer from nearsightedness. When you suffer from this type of refraction error, you are able to clearly read things up close but struggle to focus on things that are at a distance. Increased nearsightedness from smartphones is especially problematic for travelers. When you are on the road, your phone is your lifeline to family and friends back home, and you may also need to check your work emails frequently or access important applications. Here are a few tips for reducing the strain on your eyes when you’re travelling with your smartphone.

Increased Eye Strain

Smartphones increase your eye strain on a daily basis for several reason. Because your smartphone is held so closely to your face, the impact of the screen’s lights are greater than a computer. Any time you’re reading something up close for an extended period of time, lit or not, you risk straining your eyes. Because people often use their smartphones indoors, they are also limiting their time outdoors in the sun, a fact that only compounds the strain on your sight.

What You Can Do

Keep your smartphone at a distance whenever possible. Extend your arm when you’re simply reading the device, and try to keep your phone in your lap when you’re typing into it. You can also help yourself by taking breaks. Use your phone during the preparation for your flight, for instance, but allow yourself a break from the device while you’re in the air so your eyes get a break. When it’s possible, try to write things down on paper as opposed to keeping notes in your smartphone. It’s also recommended that you spend some time outdoors in between smartphone sessions. Sunshine can make the onset of nearsightedness slower.

Vision Treatment

If you suspect that you are beginning to suffer from nearsightedness and must use your smartphone in everyday life as well as when you travel – visit a vision specialist. An optometrist will be able to assess your level of refractive error and prescribe lenses. It’s easy to get access to affordable lenses; you can visit Lenstore.co.uk and other vendors to have the lenses delivered directly to your home. The doctor may also be able to advise you as to the appropriate amount of time for you to use your phone on a daily or weekly basis.

Smartphones are often a necessary device during travel, as they are the only way to get a hold of friends and colleagues when you don’t have access to your computer or landline. While you can’t eliminate your phone entirely from your lifestyle, it may be possible to limit the amount of time that you spend staring at the screen on your smartphone. When you spend less time on your smartphone your eyes will benefit, which in turn makes it safer for you to drive and do other tasks without the risk of losing focus.

Jon Carson loves technology and health. He blogs about ways to enjoy both by giving practical insights and tops on proper use.