It's so hard to look away. But you really should, at least occasionally. And "remind yourself to blink."
The first step is admitting that you have a problem (a #firstworldproblem, if you'd like, but a problem nonetheless). From there, experts recommend some easy ways to protect your eyes during media binges:
- Reduce glare by cleaning your screen and making sure it's the most brightly glowing thing in the room. Try not to use your smartphone in direct sunlight. Also, grey backgrounds are easier on your eyes than white.
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- Sit an arm's length away from your computer screen. They recommend the "high-five test": if you can't properly high-five your computer screen (full arm extension is key, people!), you're sitting too close. The screen shouldn't be tilted, and should be positioned right below eye level.
- "Remind yourself to blink." Screens have a way of making you forget to do that.
- Take what they call a "20-20-20 break": Every 20 minutes, give yourself 20 seconds to check out what's going on 20 feet away from you.
- Consider buying a pair of glasses made specifically for computer use. If you think you can pull them off.