Many people are practicing social distancing to help stem the spread of COVID-19. This means you and your family are probably spending more time in front of a digital screen, especially if you have children doing their schoolwork online or you are working from home. Too much screen time can take a toll on your eye health. Here are few tips that can help protect your eyes during this time.
Avoid Glare and Reflections
If you see your reflection or a glare on your digital screens, you should either move out of the glare or shift your screen until it is gone. Reflections or glare bouncing off your screens can cause eye strain.
Turn on Your Blue Light Filters
Most laptops, smartphones, and tablets give you the ability to turn on what is called a blue light filter. This filter makes your screen more yellowish, which might seem odd at first, but you will quickly adjust to the change. Turn on your blue light filters on all your family’s electronic devices to stop this harmful UV light from hurting your eyes and causing eye strain and discomfort.
Blink Your Eyes Often
If you spend a lot of time staring at a screen, do not forget to blink. While it might sound silly, many of us forget to blink while looking at our computer, smartphone, and tablet screens. By blinking, you help keep your eyes moist and feeling refreshed.
Practice the 20-20-20 Rule
According to the American Optometric Association, practicing the “20-20-20 Rule” could help protect your eye health. Every 20 minutes gaze at something that is at least 20 feet away from you for 20 seconds. By doing so, you force your eyes to shift from short to long distance perceptions that helps allow them to relax and to prevent digital eye strain. Set up alarms on your laptop to remind you to do the 20-20-20.
Keep Screens at Least an Arm’s Length Away
You can help reduce eye strain by keeping your digital screens at least an arm’s length away from your face. This includes your smartphone and tablet, too!
During this challenging time, do not forget that Valley Eyecare Center is here for our patients. Do not hesitate to contact us about any eye health concerns that might have. Call us at (602) 955-2700 or contact us online.
