Smartphones come as wonderful devices and have saved many lives, but excessive use does have a correlation to some conditions. Excessive use of cell phones has been shown in some individuals to possibly develop cataracts or cancer. This happens because of the exposure to the radiation inside cell phones. Cell phones are known to emit microwave signals to communicate with the tower. The damage has been assessed by its proximity to the living tissue which in this case is your eyes, brain, and skin.
As per the study conducted at Lund University, the lab rats experienced memory loss when they were exposed to the mobile radiation for a brief period each day spread over a year. However, these results are inferred to human subjects to understand the potential harm.
A Community Medicine & Health Education Journal had a recent study by Jayanti Acharya from India done with high cell phone use college-age students. An incredible 36 percent developed eye strain, blurring of vision, and headaches. Imagine in older individuals with eye conditions present. The inference comes as it will not create a problem, but it will aggravate a condition there already. A longitudinal study of a large population over several decades’ needs development to determine the true amount of damage or strain excessive use of cell phones may cause. There are some things you can do to lessen eye strain triggered as a direct result of prolonged cell phone usage.
Variations of Communication
To teenagers, it may seem preposterous to use house phones or landlines to make general calls. However, this practice can be a good break away from cell phones. If close by, go visit the friend rather than call.
Take a Break
Don’t stare at your mobile phone screen for an extended period of time. If you must use your phone for a long time, take breaks every 20 minutes, increase the font size to improve visibility and blink more often to flex the eye muscles. This holds especially true for people who like to read on their smartphones while in bed. Some days turn the cell phone off for a period of time.
Use Glasses While Reading
This is not just applicable to computers or books, but if you wear glasses, you must wear them while reading your phone too. By covering your eyes, you reduce the exposure to radiation. If you have recently had laser eye surgery and don’t wear prescription glasses anymore, try sunglasses that have UV protection.
Store the Phone Keypad Side Facing Your Body
If you are in a habit of keeping your phones in your pocket, store it keypad facing towards your body. Since the radiation is emitted from the back of the phone, you can keep it as far away from the body tissues as possible.
These simple tips are generic and can go a long way in protecting your eyes and your overall health from long-term exposure. However, in case of frequent headaches and blurry vision, seek immediate medical attention. LASIK is one of the most effective ways to correct vision and Sugarland Eye & Laser Center in Houston is a recommended name for corrective vision surgeries.
While there are always advanced medical treatments available for damage, there is nothing that compares to sensible precaution and preventive measures. If having eye strain, you may notice an improvement in your vision just by reducing the time on your cell phone.
Sources:
http://www.gampvoice.com/news/2012/09/26/can-cell-phones-harm-your-vision/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/3322132/Mobile-phones-can-trigger-eye-damage-fear-scientists.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/09/26/cell-phone-and-harmful-health-_n_1916290.html
http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2013/12/16/all-that-squinting-tiny-screens-causing-physical-problems-for-some-but-there-are-ways-lessen-harm/14Nmdk9Znjnppv3TMqqg9K/story.html
http://omicsonline.org/a-study-on-some-of-the-common-health-effects-of-cell-phones-amongst%20college-students-2161-0711.1000214.pdf
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About the Author
Amjad Khokhar, M.D. is Chief LASIK Surgeon at Houston LASIK & Eye. Add Dr. Khokhar on Google+ here.
