In times of social isolation, balance in each of the activities we carry out is essential and one of the factors that we cannot neglect is our visual health. We give you some recommendations so that your eyes do not end up affected by the increase in some daily activities.

One of the senses that we use most on a daily basis is sight. Thanks to this, the different actions we carry out are carried out more comfortably and efficiently.

But the current situation has led us to enjoy this sense of well-being more than usual: we watch more television, look at our cell phones more, and stay on the computer until late at night. We consulted doctor Juan David Bedoya, and these were some of his recommendations.

How much time do I spend in front of a screen? If you really enjoy being in front of a television or cell phone screen, remember to take breaks to focus your gaze elsewhere, check that the brightness is not at its highest, and use the night modes that some devices have if you read after 7 p.m.

Where to place screens to avoid eye fatigue? The ideal places for screens are environments with more natural light. In addition, the distance between the screen and people is important, since the further away we are from its brightness, the less impact it will have on our eyes.

The eyes work for days. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has made a recommendation that applies in times of teleworking and quarantine: if you spend more than 20 minutes in front of your computer, don't forget to blink frequently. This will help your eyes' tear ducts remain active and reduce eye fatigue.

Do not look at the same place for a long time. Just like the lenses of a camera, our eyes are capable of capturing things at different distances: near and far. If your activity requires exclusive concentration on an object, such as texting on your cell phone or sitting on your computer, it is recommended that every 15 minutes you look at a more distant place so that your eyes can perform relaxing actions. You can simply turn your head and look at another place in your home or office.

Your glasses are a good ally. The use of prescription glasses or reading glasses is essential in these times. We usually read on screens with brightness levels that can affect our vision if there is prolonged exposure. Use your prescription glasses when you are in front of the computer, watching television or checking your cell phone.

Are eye lubricants good if I use the computer or cell phone a lot? Juan David Bedoya recommends using lubricants only if you spend long periods of time in front of screens. If you don't want to use them, remember to blink frequently to lubricate your eyes and thus avoid overexertion.

Say no to cigarettes. More time at home might bring on some anxiety. The World Health Organization has linked vision loss to tobacco use. You can change some habits and avoid feeling anxious by creating active breaks while you're in front of a screen: like reading a book, watering your plants, listening to some music, or practicing meditation.

Don't self-medicate. The eyes are one of the most sensitive organs in our body. Each eye is different. Do not allow other people to share medications that were prescribed by their personal doctor. If you have symptoms of burning or redness and these are not common or last longer than normal, consult your trusted doctor directly.

Food enters through the eyes. Although it may seem like just a popular saying, eye health and good nutrition do go hand in hand. A balanced diet can keep our eyes in healthy condition throughout our lives.

Fundamental principle: Hands don't go in your eyes. In addition to preventing the spread of the virus, hands carry a multitude of infectious agents that could irritate your eyes and cause constant allergies. While you are using electronic devices such as a cell phone or computer, remember to constantly wash your hands and disinfect keyboards and screens.

With the above recommendations we try to keep your eyes in good health. In addition, by following them you will avoid eye problems not only during quarantine, but also in your daily activities once you return to your usual spaces.