How to improve digital eyestrain

Now that almost everyone is staring at the computer screen, phone, or other digital devices. And it increasingly causes a problem called computer vision syndrome or digital eyestrain. Symptoms of digital eyestrain include dry eyes, eye fatigue, headaches, blurred vision, neck and shoulder pain, and red eyes. Here are some simple and noninvasive methods that you can take to improve your eyestrain.

Adjust the light

Eyestrain happens when the light is too bright or too dim. Avoid working under overhead fluorescent lights or near the window with harsh lighting coming in. If possible, position your computer screen so that the window is neither in front of or behind you. On the other hand, make sure the brightness of your computer screen is adequate. To reduce glare on your device, try shading windows or using filters.

Exercise your eyes

Focusing your eyes on the screen for a long time is another cause of computer eyestrain. After you have focusing to something for around 20 minutes, take a break and gaze at a distant object which is at least 20 feet away for over 20 seconds. So eyes doctors also call this the “20-20-20 rule”.

Position your screen

To reduce the pressure on your eyes, you should make sure that the screen is a few feet away from your eyes, or about arm’s length. Also, you should view the screen at the same level as your eyes, or at most slightly below them. If you are using digital devices, here is another handy tip: enlarge the text on the screen until you feel the most comfortable.

Blink more frequently

Blinking is a very useful way to moisturize your eyes and prevent them from dryness and irritation. However, when staring at a screen, people tend to blink less frequently, which increases the speed of eye evaporation and thus leads to dry eyes. So, try to blink more when you need to work in front of a computer or other digital devices. Or ask your doctor for eye drops like artificial tears.

Consider computer glasses

For the highest safety and the greatest comfort at your computer, you can consult your eye doctor to modify your eyeglasses or create customized computer glasses. This is especially the choice for those wearing contact lenses, as they may turn fry and uncomfortable during extended screen time.