Smartphones have become a staple in our everyday lives, and according to the latest data, 80% of UK consumers own one. They’re used for a variety of reasons, from checking schedules to attending meetings, to attending seminars and lectures, to chat our family and friends and also to taking a photo.
Due to the amount of time people are spending on digital devices, it has been estimated that they spend around 8 hours and 41 minutes each day. Not everyone is able to justify this amount.While it is great for keeping in touch with people, it can also be detrimental to our health
Before we go into what the effects of the smartphone is we need to learn a little about what smartphone is and it's coming into existence
A smartphone is a portable device that combines various computing functions into one unit. Smartphones are distinguished by their built-in features and large screen size, which allow for better connectivity and multimedia capabilities.
They are also known for their portability. Smartphones typically feature a variety of built-in sensors that are designed to work seamlessly with third-party applications.
Early smartphones were marketed to the enterprise market, but they were limited by their large form and sluggish cellular networks.
Eventually, these issues were solved by the improved performance of MOS transistors, faster digital mobile networks, and more mature software platforms. In the 2000s, various mobile platforms started to gain market share, with models typically featuring either a physical keyboard or a touchscreen interface.
Following the emergence of the iPhone in the late 2000s, most smartphones featured a large, slate-like form factor and were equipped with various features such as cloud storage and synchronization.
Smartphones have replaced various portable electronic devices such as PDAs and PMPs. In 2012, the total number of smartphones globally surpassed the billion mark. Due to the increasing popularity of smartphones, various studies have been conducted in an attempt to find out how they can affect our health. One particular finding that emerged was the blue light emitted by our devices.
According to researchers, blue light can cause visual impairment in people with age-related macular degeneration. It can also kill off the photoreceptor cells in the eye, which are the cells that control central vision. The blue light emitted by screens is also toxic.
It has a shorter wavelength than the other colors and can provide more energy. Being subjected to blue light for a long time can damage the cells.
Also, blue light prevents the body from producing melatonin, which is a chemical that helps sleep. It also tricks our brains into thinking that it’s still day time. As a result, using screens during dark hours can make it hard to fall asleep.
At night, the light from smartphones mimics the brightness of the Sun, which can affect your sleep cycle and cause health problems. For people with autism, this could make it harder to fall asleep.
Blue light is known to boost alertness and cognitive function. It also helps regulate the body's natural sleep cycle. Unfortunately, too much blue light can cause vision problems in children.
Although blue light exposure from screens is relatively low compared to the amount of sun exposure, it's still important to monitor screen time and avoid getting too close to the eyes. Since most of the blue light gets through the front of the eye, it reaches the cells that convert it into images.
Repeated exposure to blue light can damage the cells in the eye and cause vision problems such as macular degeneration. It can also cause cataracts and contribute to the growth of certain types of eye cancer.
Too much screen time can also accelerate the development of AMD, which usually appears after reaching the age of 60. It's widely believed that by 2040, almost 300 million people will get affected by blue light. Studies suggest that its exposure to blue light can cause the development of poisonous molecules in the eyes.
The intense blue light that reaches the eye is more powerful than other forms of light. As a result, AMD tends to appear in your central vision. Some of the symptoms of this condition include blurred or distorted objects in your field of vision.
Computer Vision Syndrome is a type of vision disorder that occurs when the eyes are excessively focused on a screen. It can also cause blurred vision and difficulty focusing. We tend to focus on screens repeatedly.
The more we use them, the more they strain our eyes. According to researchers, the prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome has increased significantly.
1 The 20/20/20 Rule is a guideline that says that you should not stare at a screen for more than 20 minutes. It allows you to rest and recharge after a long day. While it may seem counterintuitive, the longer you look away from the screen, the better
2 Having a well-lit room is also important to prevent glare. Use low-voltage bulbs and make sure that your ambient lighting is as bright as the average office.
3 Having regular eye examinations is also a great way to keep your eyes healthy.
4 Glare can cause eye strain if it prevents your eyes from focusing properly on the content that you're trying to consume. To prevent this, use an anti-glare screen.
5 Today's screens are typically equipped with higher refresh rates and have a better contrast ratio. Higher-quality screens deliver better images and are more lifelike.
However, when viewed from a distance, it can be hard to tell the difference between the objects in front of you and those in the background. To prevent this, wear special glasses when using screens.
Contrary to popular belief, blue light is not a natural phenomenon. It comes from the Sun and is emitted from our bodies when we turn off our electronic devices. When used properly,
Although blue light didn't make headlines until smartphones and tablets became widely used, it still exists in nature. It can disrupt the body's natural rhythms by taking advantage of its natural light source.
Contrary to popular belief, blue light can't penetrate our eyes' inner structure. Studies revealed that almost all of the blue light we're exposed to reaches our retinas.
Although blue light can be detrimental to our bodies, it can also be beneficial for our sleep patterns. According to scientists, exposure to high levels of blue light can improve the quality of sleep for people suffering from seasonal depression.
Being subjected to blue light for a long time can lead to the development of digital eye strain, which can cause headaches, blurred vision, and red eyes.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule, which states that we should stare at a distance of about 20 feet before we finish. Wearing blue light blocking glasses is also helpful for preventing blue light from entering our eyes.
Wearing blue light blocking glasses is also helpful for preventing harmful blue rays from entering our eyes.
