Tips to protect your TV eyes

Eye care experts generally agree: watching television will not harm your eyes or vision if the TV room is properly lit and if you follow some viewing guidelines. In fact, they say there’s usually less strain involved in TV viewing than in doing close work such as sewing or reading.

Research conducted by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) has shown that a small amount of light while watching television is critical for extended enjoyment.

A darkened room enhances colour and images, but viewing in total darkness will cause eyestrain and fatigue, since the iris has to constantly adjust to extremes of light from the display.

Here are a few more tips for healthy viewing: • Make sure your television set is properly installed and the antenna properly adjusted. • Place the set to avoid glare and reflection from lamps, windows and other bright sources. • Adjust brightness and contrast controls to viewer's taste and comfort. • Position the set at eye level. Avoid having to look up or down at the picture. • View from a distance at least five times the width of the television screen. • For home theatres, choose a flat screen TV with ambient lighting. • Avoid staring at the screen for lengthy periods. Briefly look away from the picture, around the room, or out the window. • Wear lenses prescribed for vision correction if advised to do so by your eye care practitioner.