Are you aware of how much time you spend staring at screens daily? On average, adults in the United States spend around 11 hours daily on their computers, phones, tablets, or TVs. This extended period of screen time can lead to a condition called computer vision syndrome, also known as digital eye strain. Symptoms of this condition include dry eyes, blurry vision, and headaches. You may also experience head, neck, and shoulder pain, commonly called tech neck. Although we cannot avoid screen time entirely today, taking care of our eyes is crucial. Here are some tips to help reduce eye strain daily:
1. Evaluate Your Workspace’s Ergonomics
It’s important to consider ergonomics to improve your productivity and comfort in your workspace. A chair that supports your upper body and promotes good posture with a neutral neck position is ideal. Position your desktop monitor about an arm’s length away and at eye level or slightly below. Ensure that your screen is directly in front of you and aligned with your head to reduce eye strain and neck discomfort. These adjustments can significantly enhance your comfort and well-being while working.
2. Lights Should Be Adjusted
Excessive light emitted by your device, screen glare, and surrounding light levels can all lead to eye strain. To prevent digital eye strain, adjust the brightness of your device to be the brightest source of light in the room. Increase the brightness when in well-lit environments such as the office or outdoors. Conversely, lower the brightness when in dark surroundings. Additionally, regular cleaning of your screen helps to eliminate any dust or smudges which can worsen glare.
3. Make Sure You Blink More Often
Did you know that blinking is essential for keeping your eyes comfortable? It distributes tears across the surface of your eyes. However, we tend to blink less when we’re focused on screens. Usually, you blink 15-20 times a minute, but when using a screen, you blink less than half as much. Being aware of your blinking habits could help alleviate digital eye strain symptoms. Try to blink more often while using a device or watching TV to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.
4. Make Sure You Take Regular Breaks
To ease the strain on your eyes, try blinking more often and taking regular breaks during the day. You can follow the 20-20-20 rule by looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. This way, you can reduce eye strain and focus on something other than a screen for a few minutes. Additionally, taking breaks to stretch or move around can lower your risk of muscle fatigue and tech neck.
5. Consider Blue Light-Blocking Glasses
Did you know that blue light waves are present in sunlight and emitted by electronic devices? However, prolonged exposure to artificial blue light may cause eye fatigue and disrupt your sleep cycle. To prevent this, you can wear computer or blue light-blocking glasses that filter out excessive blue light. These glasses can improve symptoms of digital eye strain while using your computer, tablet, phone, or watching TV.
6. Examine Your Eyes Regularly
If you spend a lot of time looking at screens, you may be at risk for digital eye strain or other eye problems. It’s essential to have regular eye exams to stay on top of your eye health. Our team can provide comprehensive check-ups based on your age and medical history. But even if you’re feeling concerned about your vision, you can schedule an appointment anytime.
Keep Your Eyes Healthy With the Vision Institute of Michigan
Maintaining healthy eyes in today’s digital age can be challenging, but these helpful tips can minimize eye strain caused by excessive screen time. For further guidance on keeping your eyes in good condition and maintaining strong vision, consider scheduling a consultation at the Vision Institute of Michigan. Our board-certified doctors and staff are dedicated to providing personalized care and top-quality eye care services to our patients in the Detroit area. We follow strict treatment protocols and offer comprehensive treatment planning to ensure successful results for any procedures or surgeries. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more.