Do you screen responsibly?

With studies likening screen and social media dependency to cocaine addiction, many are starting to realize the toll digital devices are taking on their mental /social well-being — and on their eyes.

This new focus has sprouted a flock of apps– with names like FreedomApp Detox and  Off the Grid to help screen users with their self control.  Apple has jumped on board, too, including an app called  Screen Time in its OS12 update that reports how much time users have spent on certain apps.

Now, Shire has created screen responsibly, an initiative to educate our patients about digital eye strain and dry eye caused (or exacerbated) by screen time, and to encourage them to talk to their eye doctor about ways to maintain eye health.

There is a consumer website www.screenresponsibly.com that has a screen personality quiz that guides users to content tailored to their unique screening style.