The more time you spend looking at a computer screen increases the likelihood that you will experience eye strain. While it may be difficult to cut back on screen time because of work, there are things you can do to lessen the effects of the strain it puts on your eyes. Here are seven tips that can help relieve computer eye strain.
Tip #1 – Keep Your Eyes Lubricated
Dry eyes are often associated with eye strain because we tend not to blink our eyes enough while looking at a computer screen. Try to remember to blink your eyes often. Eye drops can help keep your eyes lubricated and can be purchased over-the-counter. If dryness persists, your eye doctor can prescribe eye drops to treat chronic dry eye symptoms.
Tip #2 – Change Your Computer Monitor Settings
Most computers have a setting you can enable to reduce blue light that can cause eye strain. Adjusting your screen’s refresh from 60 Hz to 70 or even 85 Hz can reduce screen flickering. But don’t forget to also adjust the brightness of your screen so that it is not too bright or too dark to reduce the strain on your eyes.
Tip #3 – Adjust Your Monitor to Reduce Glare
Glare coming from your computer monitor can cause computer eye strain. Avoid placing your monitor in front of or behind a window or directly under fluorescent lights to reduce glare. Switching to a flat screen or adding a screen filter can reduce annoying glare.
Tip #4 – Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
The “20-20-20 Rule” is an easy way to help reduce strain on your eye muscles. You look away from your screen every 20 minutes for 20 seconds. Then you focus on something that is approximately 20 feet away. These steps can help relax your eyes and improve your focusing ability.
Tip #5 – Take Frequent Short Breaks
Taking frequent short breaks can help reduce eye strain. Get up to stretch or take a short walk for a few minutes every hour or two.
Tip #6 – Keep Hydrated
Remember to keep hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water each day. This can help relieve chronic dry eye symptoms that are associated with computer eye strain.
Tip #7 – Talk to Your Eye Doctor
If you cannot get relief from your computer eye strain, it is time to talk to your eye doctor. It could be time to for a new prescription for your glasses or contact lenses. Your doctor may also recommend an anti-reflective coating for your glasses or a prescription for eye drops to lessen your symptoms.
Schedule an appointment with one of Valley Eyecare Center’s doctors by calling (602) 955-2700 to get the relief you need from computer eye strain.
