By Katie Vinkovich, COA, Grand Rapids Lions Club Vision Clinic

Did you know that digital devices can negatively affect your vision? On average, Americans spend seven or more hours a day looking at their screens. Digital devices give off a high-energy blue light that can contribute to many eye-related problems. This overexposure to blue light can lead to sleep problems, blurred vision, eye strain, and headaches, among other things.

The average millennial spends nine hours per day on devices such as smartphones, tablets, computer monitors and flat-screen TVs which also emit blue light. Healthy eyes allow you to use technology comfortably for longer periods of time. Lack of comprehensive exams means that you may have unknown eye problems that can hold you back from using technology to its fullest.

Below are ways to limit blue light exposure and prevent future problems:

• Turn off devices at least one hour prior to going to bed.
• Maintain a comfortable distance away from devices, use the zoom feature to see small print instead of bringing devices closer to your face.
• Turn down your screen brightness to reduce glare.
• Schedule an eye exam.
• Ask your eye care provider or optician about blue light filtering lens options for glasses.