Whether you work in an office or at home, you are likely to spend a good part of your day in front of a computer screen. Let’s not forget the time you might also spend looking at your phone screen throughout the day. All this screen time can lead to eye strain. Valley Eyecare Center would like to offer you a few tips that can help ease computer eye strain.
Take Breaks and Rest Your Eyes
One of the best ways to ease and possibly even prevent computer eye strain is to take frequent breaks from your computer screen. Get up, stretch, walk around a bit and maybe get some fresh air while not looking at any screens, including your phone!
Stay Hydrated
Staring at a computer screen all day will typically dry your eyes out. This is usually because you will not blink your eyes as often. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water will restore the moisture your eyes lose during the day. Moisturizing eye drops can also help along with cooling compresses to soothe your dry eyes.
Practice the 20-20-20 Rule
An easy way to thwart computer eye strain is to practice the 20-20-20. You do this by looking away from your computer screen every 20 minutes at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Worried that you will forget to do this? Set a reminder and timer on your computer or phone. These steps help relax your eyes, improve your ability to focus, and prevent eye strain.
Optimize Your Screen Settings
You can adjust your computer screen settings to help keep your eyes more comfortable. Most computers give you the option of activating the screen’s blue light filter. While the screen might look a little strange at first, it is something you will quickly adjust to. Don’t forget to adjust the brightness on your screen to a comfortable level because if it is too dark or bright, it can cause eye strain.
Cut Down on Computer Screen Glare
Glare from your computer screen can cause eye strain. You can prevent this by not putting your screen by a window or under fluorescent lighting. If screen glare is unavoidable, consider purchasing a screen filter to keep your eyes more comfortable. The good news is that many of these screens also act as a blue light filter, too.
Talk to Your Eye Doctor
If computer eye strain is a frequent problem, it is time to have an eye exam and speak to your eye doctor about your concerns. It could be as simple as you need an updated lens prescription, anti-reflective coating for your glasses, or prescription eye drops to provide relief from your symptoms.
Contact Valley Eyecare Center at (602) 955-2700 to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors and get relief from your computer eye strain.
