What is Digital Eye Strain?
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.
