Remember when we were young, and adults, who always wanted to stop us from having any kind of fun, would tell us to turn off the TV and go outside? Well, according to a new study¹, they may actually be right, and we should have listened instead of rolling our eyes!

The study found that prolonged exposure to electronic screens at close range, typically computers or laptops, can cause eye damage that ranges from minor symptoms like strains and headaches to serious medical issues like glaucoma.

Our eyes are built to process the world around us, including color changes, objects in our field of vision, changes in brightness, and even speed. However, if we overload our eyes with one set of these stimulations, our eyes’ health can suffer in both the short and long term.

More and more of our waking hours are dominated by electronic screens. The study specifically mentions computer, but many of us also use laptops, watch a lot of TV, play video games, and even use cell phones or tablets to text, watch TV, and entertain. The jobs we have now, and even the careers we strive to attain, will require more and more hours in front of some type of screen.

So what’s the solution? Listen to those fun-killing adults and turn off the TV! Growing up, the only screen we had was the TV, but that same advice applies to all the devices which we stay plugged into as adults. Go outside, get some fresh air, work out, play sports, enjoy nature, or do whatever comes naturally!

Many of ICDC College’s degree, diploma, and certificate programs teach you the basics of computer programs used in most offices in a wide variety of industries. Additionally, you’ll learn to read, write, and gain the necessary skills for entry level employment in your dream field.

Just remember, among all the hard work you put in, don’t forget to take a few minutes every so often to rest your eyes!

¹ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-joyce-od/eye-strain_b_1591414.html