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Alabama woman works to help returning citizens rebuild their lives; Marist polls: Harris leads Trump in Michigan, Wisconsin; they're tied in Pennsylvania; UAW contract negotiations at VW focus on healthcare, safety, wages; NC dentists warn of crisis due to low Medicaid reimbursement rates.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Eye Strain from Digital Screens Growing Concern for Health Professionals

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Monday, February 13, 2023   

People are spending more time than ever looking at screens, and it is putting a strain on their eyes. The hours spent looking at digital devices can cause strain and even lead to long-term health problems like macular degeneration.

Maida Chen, professor of pediatrics and director of the Sleep Center at Seattle Children's Hospital, said screens can disrupt children's sleep cycles.

"If the tablets are used at nighttime, especially right before kids are trying to get to sleep, it actually may delay their sleep onset and decrease the quality of their sleep that they do get into sleep," Chen explained.

Chen suggested parents have a family charging station so phones and other devices are not on beside tables within reach at night, which can keep parents away from their devices, too. She admitted it can be hard to enforce and also recommended a screen curfew before bed.

Dr. Scott Edmonds, chief eye care officer for UnitedHealthcare Vision, said the blue light emitted from digital screens has become a concern for health professionals. He pointed out the concern, along with strain from digital devices in general, has heightened during the pandemic as children and adults spend more time in front of screens.

"Kids were learning remotely using screens and laptops and cellphones; workers had moved away from the office working from home; and we know that the millennial generation, in addition to school and work and social media, they also play a lot of games, which admit very high levels of blue light," Edmonds outlined.

Edmonds advised people to use the 20-20-20 rule: For every 20 minutes of screen time, you should take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. He also said people should make sure to get annual eye exams.

Disclosure: UnitedHealthcare contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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