Digital eye strain is a common issue in our increasingly screen-filled world. From headaches caused by prolonged screen time to dry, tired eyes, it’s clear that screens can have a negative impact on our eyesight. However, there are ways to protect your eyes from digital eye strain.
Here are 10 simple tips that may help you reduce eye strain and maintain healthy eyesight while using screens. By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can minimize the strain on your eyes and ensure that you’re looking after your vision.
Take breaks
Practice the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eye strain. We’ve all heard the saying, “too much of a good thing can be bad.” Well, the same goes for screen time. Constantly staring at a screen can lead to eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. That’s where the 20-20-20 rule comes in. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. It’s a quick and easy way to give your eyes a break and prevent digital eye strain. Use this time to stretch, grab a drink of water, or simply look out the window. Your eyes will thank you for it!
So, next time you find yourself stuck in front of a screen for hours on end, remember to take a break.
Adjust screen position
position of your screen can have a big impact on your eyes. If it’s too close or too high, you could be straining your neck, shoulders, and eyes. If it’s too low or too far, you may be leaning forward or squinting to see the screen. To avoid these issues, make sure your screen is positioned so that your eyes are level with the top of the monitor and about an arm’s length away. This will reduce neck, shoulder, and eye strain, and help you maintain good posture while you work.
Think of it as setting up the perfect workstation for your eyes. You’ll be amazed at how much more comfortable you’ll feel after making this small adjustment!
Fine-tune your screen settings
One of the reasons for eye strain might be that the brightness, contrast, and text size of your screen are not optimized for your comfort. To prevent eye strain, make sure to adjust the brightness and contrast so that they’re not too high or low, and increase the text size if it’s too small to read comfortably. You can also change the background color of your screen to a warmer, softer tone to reduce glare and eye strain.
By fine-tuning your screen settings, you’ll create a more comfortable environment for your eyes. And remember, when in doubt, less is more! Aim for a balanced, natural-looking display.
Blink frequently
Keep your eyes moist to reduce dryness. We often forget to blink when we’re focusing on a screen, and this can lead to dry eyes. When our eyes are dry, they become more susceptible to eye strain, fatigue, and irritation. To prevent dry eyes, make an effort to blink frequently while you’re in front of a screen. This will keep your eyes moist and reduce dryness. If you’re having trouble remembering to blink, set a reminder on your phone or computer to take a break and blink every 20 minutes.
You can also use artificial tear drops to help keep your eyes moist. Just a few drops in each eye can make a big difference in preventing eye strain and keeping your eyes feeling comfortable.
Reduce glare
Have you ever been working on a screen and noticed that the sun or overhead lights are creating glare and making it difficult to see? This can be a big source of eye strain, fatigue, and headaches.
To reduce glare and eye strain, invest in an anti-glare screen for your computer or mobile device. Anti-glare screens reduce the amount of reflective light that reaches your eyes, making it easier to see the screen and reducing eye strain. You can also adjust the angle of your screen to minimize glare from overhead lights or windows. By taking these steps, you’ll create a more comfortable environment for your eyes and reduce the risk of eye strain and headaches.
Use ergonomic devices
An ergonomic keyboard and mouse can help reduce the strain on your hands and wrists, which in turn can help prevent eye strain. When you’re working with devices that fit comfortably in your hands, you’ll be less likely to hunch over your screen or squint to see the keys. Ergonomic keyboards are designed to fit the natural contours of your hands and reduce the amount of strain on your fingers and wrists. Ergonomic mice are also designed to fit comfortably in your hand and reduce wrist strain. By using ergonomic devices, you can help prevent eye strain and reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
Make sure your work space is well lit
Proper lighting can help reduce eye strain and improve your overall comfort while working. Here’s how to light your workspace for optimal comfort: make sure your workspace has enough natural light and consider using a task light to brighten up your work area. Avoid harsh overhead lighting, as it can cause glare and reflections on your screen.
By making sure your workspace is well-lit, you can reduce eye strain and improve your focus.
Clean your screen
A clean screen can help reduce eye strain and improve your overall comfort while working.
Here’s how to keep your screen sparkling: use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe away any dirt, smudges, or fingerprints. If you struggle with screen glare, consider using an anti-glare screen filter to minimize reflections. By keeping your screen clean and free of reflections, you can help reduce eye strain and improve your focus. Your eyes will love the clarity, and your coworkers will love the lack of distracting reflections.
Use a blue-light filter on your devices
Blue light emitted from screens can cause digital eye strain and mess with your sleep, but don’t worry – you can help reduce these effects.
Simply install a blue light filter on your device. Whether it’s a built-in option on your screen or a software you download, a blue light filter can reduce the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes. That means less strain and better sleep for you!
Get regular eye exams
Regular eye exams can help ensure that your eyes are healthy and address any conditions that may be contributing to eye strain.
During an eye exam, your eye doctor will check your vision, evaluate your eye health, and make recommendations for preventing eye strain. For example, they may prescribe glasses or contacts to improve your vision, or suggest exercises to improve eye health. By scheduling regular eye exams, you can stay on top of your eye health and prevent eye strain. So why not give your eyes the gift of good health with a regular eye exam? Your eyes will thank you!
