It is nearly impossible to avoid digital devices. Most people use a computer or other digital devices for a minimum of two hours every day. With continued exposure, many people develop eyestrain, also called computer vision syndrome. The condition causes dry eyes, eye fatigue, blurred vision, and headaches. Eyestrain also causes watery eyes, redness, twitching, sensitivity to light. It may also cause you pain in the neck and shoulders. Reducing your screen time could minimize eyestrain, but this may not be a viable solution if your job requires a computer.
The Following Tips Help To Reduce Eyestrain Symptoms:
Blink More Often
Blinking is involuntary, but when you sit behind a monitor, you must remind yourself to blink more often. Research indicates that normally, a person blinks 15 times every minute. The frequency reduces to only five to seven times when using a digital screen. The reduction may cause eye irritation, dryness, discomfort, reduced vision, and decreased concentration. Blinking coats the eye with moisture and is a natural way the eye protects itself. Blink more often to make it easier for your eyes.
Block The Blue Light
Computer monitors and smartphone screens produce concentrated amounts of blue light. Prolonged exposure to this light causes headaches, eyestrain, and affects your sleep negatively. Put on some glasses or apply the built-in blue light filters on your phone or computer. If you already wear prescription glasses, add some blue light shielding effect to them.
Designate Technology-Free Periods And Zones
After staring at a computer monitor for a long time, you could use some time away from digital screens. Create technology-free periods such as during your lunch break or your commute back home. You could also avoid devices during dinner and when getting to bed. Avoid scrolling your phone in bed because it makes catching sleep difficult. The differences in lighting between the screen and the dark room also strain your eyes.
Take Many Breaks
Give your eyes a break many times throughout the day. One of the effective ways is to employ the 20-20-20 rule. You must take a break every 20 minutes to focus on something 20 feet away for a minimum of 20 seconds. If you are able, stand and walk away from your working area. Get a glass of water or breathe the air outside for a minute. As you do this, your natural blinking returns, and your eyes relax and rehydrate. Eye experts advise that you place your desk in a way that allows you to stare into a room or outside rather than into a blank wall. That way, you can alternate your vision between focusing on near and far objects. This, too, is eye exercise.
Adjust The Lighting
Even after you balance the lighting of your screen, the lighting of the room matters. If the light is too dim or too bring, your eyes will strain. Ensure that the screen is bright enough so that you do not squint, but not too bright that the screen looks illuminated. Adjust the glare also by using an anti-glare coating. Also, place a screen around your computer. Any light that hits your computer screen from another source bounces off it into your eyes.
Besides taking steps to ease eyestrain symptoms, regular eye exams rule out any other eye problems. Consult with an eye doctor at Eye Care Center Optometrist, PSC, in Lexington, Richmond, Beattyville, Irvine, or Mckee, Kentucky. Call us today at (859) 208-2020.
