Computer eye strain or computer vision syndrome refers to a group of vision-related problems induced by prolonged usage of computers or other devices such as smartphones and tablets. Symptoms of computer can include eye dryness, eye redness, blurry vision, and headaches.
Computer eye strain is prevalent worldwide. One study indicates that computer eye strain affects 60 million people across the globe. Even though computer eye strain is a common problem, that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it. You can relieve and prevent computer eye strain by following these three eye care tips.
- Give your eyes a rest.
You need to take periodic breaks and rest your eyes whenever you’re working in front of your computer. The 20-20-20 rule is the best method to follow for resting your eyes.
Optometrist Dr. Jeffrey Anshel developed the 20-20-20 to help patients relieve their computer eye strain symptoms. Observing the 20-20-20 rule is simple. You just have to follow these steps:
- Rest your eyes by looking away from your computer screen every 20 minutes.
- Focus your eyes on any object that is at least 20 feet away (6 meters).
- Focus your eyes on that object for at least 20 seconds.
The 20-20-20 rule helps relieve and prevent the symptoms of computer eye strain by changing your viewing distance. The change from looking at a nearby object (your computer screen) to a distant object (20 feet away) relaxes your eye muscles and therefore prevents computer eye strain.
- Keep your workstation eye-friendly.
To prevent computer eye strain, you need to have an eye-friendly workstation. Consider making these free, easy, and effective changes to your workstation.
- Screen placement and position
Whether you use a desktop or a laptop computer, the screen shouldn’t be too close to your face. Prevent computer eye strain by placing the screen 20 to 30 inches away from your face. This way, you minimize the effect of the screen’s glare and brightness on your eyes.
The height of your screen also matters. Make sure that the top edge of your screen is at your eye level so that you don’t need to tilt your head constantly when looking up or down your screen.
- Screen brightness
There is no specific formula to adjusting a screen’s brightness. Every computer screen is different, and everyone’s comfort level is also different. You just have to remember not to make your screen too bright that it looks like an LED lightbulb.
However, you also have to avoid dimming your screen to the point that you find it hard to make out any detail while looking at your screen. The rule of thumb is to adjust the brightness just enough that it enables you to see everything on screen without causing eye strain.
- Color
Change your screen’s color temperature by adjusting the levels of red, green, and blue colors displayed onscreen. Some monitors have temperature options you can choose from, such as cool or warm, with warm being the most eye-friendly color temperature. Other monitors even have an “eye-friendly” or “eye saver” mode that you can turn on.
- Keep artificial tears handy.
If you want to prevent computer eye strain, make artificial tears or lubricant eye drops your best friend.
Artificial tears or lubricant eye drops are specially formulated solutions that contain moisturizing agents. These products help relieve the symptoms of computer eye strain like dry eyes. Just apply one or two drops on each eye every few hours, and you’re good to go.
The great thing about artificial tears is that you can buy them without a prescription. However, it’s still a good idea to consult an eye care professional (ECP) before buying. That way, the ECP can advise you on how to use artificial tears.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you’ll be able to feel a significant difference in your eyes whenever you’re in front of your computer. If you still feel symptoms of computer eye strain, consult your doctor immediately.
Author Bio:
“Jericho Gonzales is a Content Marketing Specialist at Lens.com. Writing is his passion, and he specializes in tech-based and consumer product-based writing. His other passions lie in the worlds of fantasy and science fiction. When he isn’t busy with wordcraft, he loves to immerse himself in those worlds through novels, video games, TV shows, or movies.”
