The power of your eyes: How your eyes compare to the latest tech, and tips to keep them at their best

(BPT) - In today's tech-driven world, staying up to date with the latest gadgets has become essential, with 77% of Americans prioritizing new technology. If you love everything today's smartphones or cameras can do, wait until you learn about the specs on another piece of technology that may surprise you: your eyes.

The average smartphone doesn't come close to what your visual system can do. For example, you may love your phone's 12-megapixel (MP) camera, but the human eye captures the equivalent of 576 MP, making it 48 times more powerful. Current technology can't replicate the level of sophistication in your eyes, underscoring the need to protect the most advanced tech you already have in your body.

You probably take care of your smartphone with a phone case, screen protector and a protection plan — but are you protecting your eyes? Even if you think your eyes are fine and don't need vision correction, it's crucial to schedule an annual comprehensive eye examination with a doctor of optometry to ensure your eyes are healthy and functioning at their best. They check for common problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism but can detect over 270 other serious health conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases and cancers.

"As technology use increases, prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, dryness, and noticeable discomfort," said Dr. Steven T. Reed, President of the American Optometric Association (AOA). "Just like any advanced technology, your eyes require proper care to function optimally throughout your life. A yearly, in-person comprehensive eye exam with an AOA doctor of optometry is essential for safeguarding both your vision and overall health."

Here are some amazing facts about what your eyes can do, and the best ways to care for them.

Eyes versus Smartphones: Which is the Ultimate Technology?

The specs from the latest smartphones on the market are impressive. They have:

• 8 gigabytes (GB) of RAM (memory)
• 48 megapixels (MP)
• 4K retina display

But compare those stats with what the human visual system offers, translated into technology specs:

• 2.5 M GB RAM
• 576 MP
• 14K retina display

Even with all the advancements in modern tech, it's impossible to actually replicate the amazing things your eyes can do.

Introducing The Eye

To showcase the sophistication of the human eye and how it compares to latest tech, the AOA developed an online interactive educational tool to illustrate the incredible complexity of the human visual system, which includes these features:

Processor: Recognizes images and processes billions of pathways in parallel with the most efficient, intelligent cognitive engine, processing light and millions of pieces of information about shape, depth and color, while filling in visual blind spots to create complete images.

Memory: Information retrieved from endless memory bandwidth analyzes and contextualizes signals with unmatched accuracy; the brain recalls familiar images instantly and can remember scenes from decades ago.

Health tracker: Comprehensive eye exams with a doctor of optometry can reveal over 270 health conditions throughout your body, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases and cancers.

Autofocus: With groundbreaking speed and precision, your eyes' lenses effortlessly adjust up to 50x per second and can quickly focus on near or far objects.

To explore all the human eye's incredible abilities in an interactive format, visit SeeTheEye.com.

Caring for the Technology You Can't Replace

Spending hours staring at screens, environmental irritants and health conditions due to genetics and/or aging can all impact your eye health. To keep the advanced technology you were born with in its best possible condition, keep these eye health tips in mind.

• Recognize symptoms of conditions like digital eye strain: Notice if you're experiencing symptoms including eye discomfort, vision problems like eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, or neck and shoulder pain. While 104 million working-age Americans spend over seven hours in front of a screen each day, even as little as two hours of screen time a day can induce digital eye strain symptoms.
• Take screen breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: To give your eyes a rest, take a 20-second break to view something 20 feet away every 20 minutes.
• Schedule a yearly comprehensive eye exam: To keep your eyes healthy, an annual comprehensive in-person examination is key. A doctor of optometry checks your visual acuity through refraction and assesses the health of your eyes and eye tissue, checking for diseases including glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness.

Are you ready to take good care of your body's amazing tech? Find an AOA doctor of optometry near you at AOA.org.