In today’s digital age, our screens have become an integral part of our lives, but prolonged screen time can take a toll on our eyes, especially for children. Recognizing this, Apple introduced a new feature called “Screen Distance” in iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 to promote better eye health and reduce eye strain, particularly in children. This tool offers guidance on maintaining the recommended screen-to-eye distance, helping you and your family safeguard your vision. In this article, we’ll guide you through enabling and using the Screen Distance feature on your iOS 17 device.
What is Screen Distance?
Screen Distance is a feature designed by Apple to encourage healthy viewing habits. It is primarily aimed at children but can benefit users of all ages. The goal is simple: to reduce eye strain and minimize the risk of myopia by ensuring that the iPhone or iPad is held at an optimal distance from the eyes.
How to Enable Screen Distance:
Follow these easy steps to activate the Screen Distance tool on your iOS 17 device:
1. Open the Settings App: Begin by launching the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Access Screen Time: Scroll down and select “Screen Time” in the settings menu.
3. Navigate to Screen Distance: Under the “Limit Usage” section, you’ll find “Screen Distance.” Select it to proceed.
4. Read the Information: An information screen will provide details about Screen Distance. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the purpose and benefits of this feature. After reading, select “Continue.”
5. Enable Screen Distance: Finally, toggle the Screen Distance switch to turn it on. You’ll know it’s activated when the switch is in the green “ON” position.
How Screen Distance Works:
Once Screen Distance is enabled, your iOS 17 device will monitor the proximity of the screen to your eyes. If the device is held too close, Apple’s “Shield” feature will activate. This shield serves as a visual indicator, notifying you (or your child) that the screen needs to be positioned further away to maintain the recommended viewing distance of 12 inches (or about 30 centimeters).
When you adjust the device to the suggested distance, the shield will display a “Continue” button. This indicates that you can now comfortably resume your activities, knowing that your eyes are better protected from strain and potential long-term vision issues.
Conclusion:
Apple’s introduction of the Screen Distance tool in iOS 17 demonstrates a commitment to user well-being, particularly when it comes to eye health. By following these simple steps, you can easily enable and utilize this feature to ensure that you and your family maintain a safe viewing distance from your screens. Remember, protecting your eyes today can contribute to better vision and overall eye health in the future.
