Digital Eye Strain is a group of eye- and vision-related problems that can occur from too much time on a smart phone, computer, tablet, and e-reader. Many individuals experience eye discomfort when viewing digital screens for too long. The level of pain increases with the amount of time spent in front of a screen.
The average worker spends seven hours a day on a computer working from home or in the office. To help alleviate digital eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break looking at something 20 feet away. This will make a huge difference. More tips follow.
What causes digital eye strain?
Better question: How do I not suffer from digital eye strain in the first place? Try to avoid looking at digital devices for too long. Reading without pausing to rest will cause stress on the eyes. Driving long distances and other activities involving extended focus will also cause strain on the eyes. Try to stay away from looking directly into the sun, bright lights, or a glare. Having an underlying eye problem, such as dry eyes, can cause the eyes to be strained at times. Believe it or not, being stressed or tired can also cause eye strain, so be sure to relax when possible. Being exposed to dry moving air from a fan, heater, or air conditioning unit doesn’t help, either.
How to treat digital eye strain
Adjusting your lighting can help diminish the effects of digital eye strain. When watching television, a softly lit room is better for your eyes. Taking breaks by looking away from your screen while working will help the eyes. Limited screen time is important and especially crucial for children, who may not connect extended viewing, eyestrain, and the need to rest their eyes.
Other tips include the use of artificial teardrops; over-the-counter tear drops can help prevent and treat dry eyes. Improve your space’s air quality by using a humidifier and adjusting the thermostat to reduce blowing air. Avoid smoke from any source. Choosing the right eyewear will help, too. If you need glasses or contacts and work at a computer, consider investing in a pair of blue light glasses specifically made for computer work.
Benefits of glasses for eye strain
Blue light glasses for eye strain can be helpful so that your eyes don’t have to work so hard through the day. The lenses help your eyes to focus much easier. You can choose a specific lens to reduce eye strain and protect your eyes from fatigue. Blue light glasses are a great option, as they help with glare and can prevent eye stress.
Tips for reducing eye strain
1. Keep your distance. Position your screen so there is ample distance between your eyes and the screen.
2. Reduce glare. Reduce the brightness of your screen by checking in the control settings.
3. Clean your screen. A dust-free, smudge-free screen helps reduce glare.
4. Increase text size. It’s more comfortable on the eyes and helps reduce strain.
5. Blink more often. Staring at a screen all day can reduce how often you blink, causing eyes to be dry. Remind yourself to blink, which also helps the eyes refocus.
6. Take a 20-20-20 break. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break looking at something 20 feet away. This can make a huge difference.
You may not see as many people wearing sunglasses in the winter as you do in the summer, but sunglasses protect your eyes year-round. Don’t forget, the sun reflects off the snow and ice too.
When it comes to wearing sunglasses, most people think of sunny summer days and warm weather. But summer isn’t the only time of year you should be wearing sunglasses! Here are 3 reasons why wearing sunglasses in the winter is important.
Ultraviolet rays are still strong in the winter: UV rays are out no matter the season, but UVB rays (the rays that cause sunburn) are more intense in the summer. UVA rays are always around; they are also damaging and can cause premature aging. It’s important to wear sunglasses all year because UV rays from the sun can be damaging to the eyes.
To reduce glare from the snow: Snow and ice cover much of the surface outside during the winter, which can cause a reflective glare. When you wear high-quality sunglasses in the winter, especially while driving or participating in outdoor activities like snowmobiling, skiing, and snowboarding, it reduces that glare.
To protect your eyes: If you’ve ever been out in the winter with no sunglasses or goggles on, you know that wind can be an issue. Wearing sunglasses not only comfort your eyes but protects them from debris and harsh winds; a big reason skiers and snowboarders wear goggles.
You can check out some of our favorite sunglass brands, like Ray-Ban, Maui Jim, Zeal, and many more at the Sunglass Shoppe-Unique Optics. Stop in and visit one of our many locations:
Petoskey Location: 325 East Lake Street
Traverse City location: 137 East Front Street
Charlevoix location: 415 Bridge Street (Closed for the Season)
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The big question is, what are blue light glasses? If you haven’t heard of blue light glasses before, they are eyeglasses that have filtering materials or a special coating on the lenses that block out a portion of blue light that is emitted from digital screens.
Did you know that blue light is emitted from digital screens and can cause eye fatigue, dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches?
What is Blue Light?
Blue light is a color in the light spectrum that is seen by the human eye. It is a short wavelength, which suggests it produces higher amounts of energy. Blue light can come in natural light forms, which is why the sky appears blue to the human eye. Artificial blue light is a light emitted from digital screens like computers, smart-phones, and television.
eyebobs blue light filtering glasses
Many brands offer blue light filtering glasses, like these stylish glasses from eyebobs.
As stated on eyebobs website, “70% of Americans suffer from headaches, dry eye and restlessness due to digital eye fatigue” and blue light glasses are said to be a solution for those that are on their computer or smartphone often.
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When we’re talking nutrients for the eyes, the following nutrients like lutein, omega 3, vitamin C, and a few others, are good for healthy eyes. But in what foods can we find these vitamins and nutrients?
We can get many different vitamins and nutrients from foods that our eyes need. Here are some of the best foods for healthy eyes.
Lutein:is found in many green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale. It is also found in Brussel sprouts, broccoli, and carrots. If you prefer fruit, grab some grapes.
Vitamin C: When we think vitamin C, we often think oranges. But there are so many other foods that contain vitamin C like red peppers, broccoli, kiwifruit, and strawberries.
Vitamin E: You can find vitamin E in foods like vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables like spinach.
Vitamin A: Cod liver oil ranks at the top of the vitamin A list. But also eggs and dairy products. Vegetables and fruits like tomatoes, carrots, and papayas provide vitamin A too.
Zinc: Meat and shellfish are good sources of zinc. You can also find zinc in legumes, seeds, nuts, dairy, etc.
Omega 3: If you think of Omega 3 and you think of fish, you’re right. Fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna are good sources of Omega 3. You can also find Omega 3 in nuts and seeds.
Zeaxanthin: Like lutein, you can find zeaxanthin in green leafy vegetables, Brussel sprouts, and carrots.
What are your favorite eye healthy foods? Let us know in the comment section below.
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The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
