Introducing Screen Distance: A Feature Designed to Protect Your Eyes
In January, Apple released iOS 18.3, which brought a handful of bug fixes to iPhones. However, the more notable innovation arrived with iOS 17 in 2023, when Apple introduced Screen Distance, a feature that helps users take better care of their eyes. This tool is designed to alert you when you’re holding your iPhone or iPad too close to your face, much like a parent might remind you to sit farther away from the TV or computer screen. While having a screen near your face might not cause permanent harm to your eyes, it can lead to strain and irritation, according to healthcare experts at Cedars-Sinai. Apple’s Screen Distance feature aims to reduce eyestrain and even lower the risk of myopia, or nearsightedness.
How Screen Distance Works to Protect Your Eyes
Screen Distance is a simple yet effective feature that monitors how close your device is to your face. If you hold your iPhone or iPad too close for an extended period, the feature will step in to remind you to create some distance. When your screen is blocked by a message saying, "iPhone May Be Too Close," you’ll need to move the device farther away to continue using it. Once you’ve adjusted your position, a checkmark will appear, and you can tap "Continue" to unlock your screen. This gentle reminder is designed to help you develop healthier screen use habits and reduce the stress that close screen time can place on your eyes.
How to Enable Screen Distance on Your iPhone or iPad
Enabling Screen Distance on your device is straightforward. To turn it on, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Navigate to Screen Time.
- Select Screen Distance from the menu.
When you access Screen Distance for the first time, you’ll see two introductory screens explaining the feature and how it works. Tap "Continue" on both screens, and Screen Distance will automatically activate. These screens are only shown the first time you use the feature, so subsequent visits to the settings won’t require you to go through them again. Once enabled, Screen Distance will begin monitoring your screen usage and alerting you if you’re holding your device too close.
The Benefits of Screen Distance for Eye Health
While Screen Distance is a convenient feature, it also offers real benefits for your eye health. Prolonged close screen time can lead to eye strain, a common issue in today’s digital world. By encouraging you to hold your device at a safer distance, Screen Distance helps reduce the risk of discomfort and fatigue. Additionally, Apple suggests that this feature may even help reduce the risk of myopia, or nearsightedness, which has become increasingly prevalent among screen users. By promoting healthier screen habits, Screen Distance is a proactive step toward protecting your vision.
Disabling Screen Distance: When and How
While Screen Distance is a useful tool for many users, it might not be for everyone. If you find the alerts more annoying than helpful, you can easily turn off the feature. To disable Screen Distance:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Go to Screen Time.
- Select Screen Distance.
- Toggle off the Screen Distance option.
Once disabled, you can use your device without interruptions from the feature. However, keep in mind that turning it off means you’ll no longer receive reminders to maintain a healthy screen distance, so be mindful of your habits.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Healthier Screen Habits
Screen Distance is just one of many features Apple has introduced to promote healthier device usage. By encouraging users to be more mindful of their screen time and posture, Apple is helping people adopt better habits that can have long-term benefits for their eye health. While it’s not a replacement for professional eye care, Screen Distance is a thoughtful addition to iOS that shows how technology can work in harmony with our well-being. For more information on iOS features, you can explore guides like the iOS 18 cheat sheet or learn about the latest updates in iOS 18.3.1 and iOS 18.3.
