Latest iOS Feature: Here's How to Reduce Eye Strain on Your iPhone with Screen Distance

When iOS 17 was released last month, most of the updated consumers focused on the new FaceTime enhancements, StandBy, and features like NameDrop, all of which are useful. However, Screen Distance is a capability most users need to be aware of in the iOS settings. For those unaware, Apple built this feature to inform users when their face may be too close to their phone to reduce eye strain when using their devices.

New health features in Latest iOS Feature for iPhone and iPad

One of the new health features in iOS 17 for iPhone and iPad can help avoid eye strain for everyone and lower the risk of myopia (nearsightedness) in children.

Here's how to use and understand iPhone Screen Distance. Apple recommends keeping devices at least 12 inches away from your eyes.

When this feature is turned on, the iPhone recognises when users are holding their phones less than an arm's length away and too close to the screen, and it notifies them that their 'iPhone May Be Too Close.' 'Keeping your iPhone at arm's reach helps safeguard your eyesight,' says the warning.

The warning will be removed once you have established at least an arm's length distance between your iPhone's screen and your eyes. When you do this, the iPhone alerts you that your device has reached the recommended distance.

Notably, this function requires an iPhone with the TrueDepth front-facing camera system to assess how near a user is to the screen. The Screen Distance option was regularly activated in our experiments, notably during late-night browsing when one unwittingly held their phone close to their face, elevating the long-term risk of myopia and other eye-related disorders. It serves as an excellent reminder to keep proper screen hygiene.

How to enable Screen Distance in iOS 17: Latest iOS Feature

• Open the Screen Time tab in the Settings app in the second section.
• Under the "Limit Usage" category, tap on Screen Distance.
• You'll see a few screens explaining the feature, and you can tap "Continue" and "Turn on Screen Distance" on each respective screen.

What settings reduce eye strain?

How to customise monitor settings to reduce eye strain

• Tweak your font sizes.
• Adjust your screen's contrast.
• Adjust your brightness settings.
• Change the colour temperature to reduce blue light.
• Switch to dark mode.
• Reposition your monitor.
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule.
• Avoid blue light filters.