Why you need to reduce screen time – Optician

By Catherine Egwuom

An Optician, Dr Violet Ogbatue, has advised on the need for screen time reduction from gadgets and protective lens to be incorporated into eyeglasses, to protect the eyes.

She also said that the 20-20 rule served as a protection for the eyes and to also prevent further damages to the eyes.

Ogbatue, Head Optometrist, St. Joseph Medical Centre, Egbeda, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday, during a medical outreach organised for NAN staff in Lagos.

She said: “We make sure that there is a level of protection for the eye, that is where the 20-20 rule comes in.

“We use the gadgets for 20 minutes and move away from them for 20 seconds to shield the eye from light.

“Studies have shown that the use of phones without protection brings some kind of strain. A conscious effort must be made to reduce screen time,” she said.

Speaking, Mrs Ifenyinwa Omowole, Head NAN Lagos office, said the health outreach was a welcome development and that the agency would incorporate other medical tests and examinations subsequently.

Omowole assured members of staff of routine health check, promising that the next one would be a cardiovascular check.