Tips to deal with Computer Eye Strain
Prolonged use of digital devices might result in digital-related eye strain. You might notice your vision blurring, and your eyes feeling achy and tired. You may also find your eyes become dry, and will tear or sting. This eye strain is no different from the symptoms you may have when reading, writing or doing “close work” like sewing for long stretches of time.
We are not likely to cut back on using our smartphones or computer use any time soon. So what can we do about the related eye strain? Here are some tips to relieve your eyes.
- Blink Frequently
Humans normally blink about 15 times in one minute. However, studies show that we only blink about 5 to 7 times in a minute while using computers and other digital screen devices. Blinking is the eye’s way of getting the moisture it needs on its surface.
Make a conscious effort to blink as often as possible. This keeps the surface of your eyes from drying out. You might even want to put a sticky note on your computer screen reminding you to blink often!
- Use Artificial Tears
Use artificial tears to refresh your eyes when they feel dry. If you are often in a dry, warm room, consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
- Follow the “20-20-20” Rule.
Take regular breaks using the “20-20-20” rule: every 20 minutes, shift your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds.
- Use Computer Eyeglasses.
If you work on a computer for many hours at a time, might find that using computer eyeglasses reduces eye strain. These prescription glasses allow you to focus your eyes specifically at computer screen distance (intermediate distance, which is about 20-26 inches away from your face). Some of these glasses have multifocal lenses to help you quickly shift your focus between close, intermediate and far distances.
Be aware that computer glasses for reducing eye strain are not the same as “blue light blocking” glasses.
- Adjust Brightness and Contrast.
If your screen glows brighter than your surroundings, your eyes have to work harder to see. Adjust your screen brightness to match the level of light around you. Also, try increasing the contrast on your screen to reduce eye strain.
- Reduce the Glare.
The screens on today’s digital devices often have a lot of glare. Try using a matte screen filter to cut glare.
- Adjust Your Position at the Computer.
When using a computer, you should be sitting about 70 cm (right about at arm’s length) from the screen. Also, position the screen so your eye gazes slightly downward, not straight ahead or up.
