By: Dr. Rudrani Banik, MD, Integrative Ophthalmologist and Neuro-Ophthalmologist
Founder, “The Eye Health Summit”
Author, “Beyond Carrots: Best Foods for Eye Health A to Z”
Author, “Dr. Rani’s Visionary Kitchen”
We live in a world dominated by screens. From smartphones and tablets to laptops and televisions, screen time has become inescapable. Americans now average 7 to 9 hours of screen exposure daily, and the consequences are taking a toll on our vision. Digital eye strain has reached epidemic proportions, with symptoms of blurred vision, dry eyes, and headaches. More alarmingly, excessive screen use may be fueling a sharp rise in myopia (nearsightedness), particularly in children. Based on these trends, half the world’s population is expected to be nearsighted by 2050.
The problem goes beyond discomfort. Increased screen exposure strains the eye’s focusing system, leads to poor blinking habits, and exposes us to high-energy blue light, which interferes with sleep cycles and may contribute to retinal damage.
Defend Your Eyes from Digital Overload
- Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps reduce strain and allows eye muscles to relax.
- Optimize Your Blink Rate: Blinking lubricates the eyes, but screen use drastically reduces our natural blink rate. Make a conscious effort to blink often and use preservative-free artificial tears if dryness persists.
- Limit Blue Light Exposure: Reduce screen brightness and enable blue light filters, especially in the evening to support better sleep.
- Prioritize Outdoor Time: Natural daylight exposure, particularly in childhood, is linked to a lower risk of myopia. Aim for at least 2 hours, outdoors daily.
- Fuel Your Eyes with the Right Nutrition: Key nutrients like lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in protecting against eye strain, dry eye, and long-term degenerative diseases. Leafy greens, fatty fish, and colorful vegetables should be staples in your diet.
Join a Global Event to Empower Your Vision
While digital eye strain is a growing concern, preventive care can make a huge difference. That’s why I’m hosting The Eye Health Summit, a free, global event taking place on May 1–7, and coinciding with National Healthy Vision Month. This summit will feature more than 35 expert-led discussions on topics from eye strain and ocular nutrition to cutting-edge advancements in eye health.
At the summit, you will learn practical strategies to help safeguard your vision now and for the future. Whether you’re struggling with screen fatigue, concerned about your child’s eyesight, or simply want to maintain lifelong healthy vision, this event provides the knowledge and tools you need, without a doctor’s visit.
To learn more and register for free, visit: https://theeyehealthsummit.com. Your eyes work hard for you, so let’s give them the care they deserve.
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Biography:
Dr. Rudrani Banik, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in an integrative approach to vision health and author of, “Beyond Carrots: Best Foods for Eye Health A to Z,” and “Dr Rani’s Visionary Kitchen.” She is also a fellowship-trained neuro-ophthalmologist. Banik is the founder of EnVision Health NYC, a concierge practice specializing in eye health, neurological conditions, and migraine headaches. She is associate professor of ophthalmology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and co-director of the neuro-ophthalmology service. Banik is a member of the American Board of Ophthalmology’s Exam Development Committee and contributes to setting the standards for board certification. She has committed herself to more than a decade of training at some of the finest medical institutions like Johns Hopkins and Brown University, allowing her to author numerous articles and present at national and international meetings. Banik has been called on as an expert on multiple media outlets including, The New York Times, “Good Morning America,” “CBS Evening News,” TODAY.com, and The Washington Post. She has been voted New York Magazine’s Best Doctor and a Castle Connolly Top Doctor every year from 2017-2025. Banik is the founder of “The Eye Health Summit,” a global patient-centered event dedicated to integrative eye health.
Social Media:
X: https://x.com/RudraniBanikMD @RudraniBanikMD
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudrani-banik-m-d-83019584
Website: https://www.drranibanik.com
Register for FREE to The Eye Health Summit: https://theeyehealthsummit.com
