Computer eye strain can be a nightmare. Burning eyes, aching neck, blurring vision, throbbing head — all side effects of the nature of your job. Here are a few ways to reduce and prevent any discomfort caused by staring at a screen all day.
- Keep the screen at arm’s length away
Ideally, your monitor should be at least an arm’s length away from your eyes. Adjust the screen so that the top of the monitor is at your eye level and you have to look down at your work, rather than up.
- Adjust your computer’s display settings
Adjust the brightness of the display so that it matches the brightness of your surrounding work space. Alter the text size until it is comfortable to read. Check the color temperature— reducing the color temperature on your display can support long-term viewing comfort.
- Reduce glare
Too much surrounding artificial or even natural light can create a strong glare off your monitor that will tire your eyes more quickly. Make sure that no bright light is directly behind or in front of your screen to avoid computer eye strain.
- The 20-20-20 Rule
Every 20 minutes, identify an object about 20 feet away to focus your eyes on for 20 seconds. This proven trick exercises your eyes and allows them to rest from the bright monitor. Additionally, you can slowly blink 10 times during these 20 minute eye breaks in order to rest and rewet your eyes.
- Consider computer eyewear
Check in with your optometrist about special computer glasses to help your eyes to focus at the exact distance of your screen and avoid computer eye strain. Some glasses are tinted yellow in order to offset the blue light of the screen, and some offer slight magnification to make it easier to read digital text.
Learn more ways to relieve computer eye strain and discuss your personal eye care needs today! Book your appointment with your Valley Eyecare Center optometrist. Call us at 602-955-2700 or schedule online today.
