How to Protect Your Eyes from Digital Eye Strain

The start of the digital age has brought with it many conveniences but also some risks. One of the most common issues associated with our increased use of technology is digital eye strain. As you know, more and more people spend hours in front of their electronic devices, such as computers, phones, and tablets.

What Can You Do

It’s highly unlikely that people will reduce the amount of time spent on their devices anytime soon. So, to combat any possible eye strain, here are some tips you can use to help relieve your eyes from this type of vision problem:

Don’t Forget to Blink

The average amount of blinks per minute for humans is usually around 15. However, that number decreases when working with digital displays. According to research, people tend to blink only about half the time while looking at a screen. Keep in mind that blinking is the eye’s way of keeping itself lubricated and healthy. So, make sure to blink regularly — it helps keep the surface of your eyes moisturized. You could even put a post-it on your screen as a reminder! Taking time to blink is something we can all do and will ultimately benefit our eye health.

Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

Prolonged screen exposure can be quite tiresome for the eyes, resulting in eye strain and fatigue. That’s why it’s important to follow the 20-20-20 rule. This rule suggests that after every 20 minutes of screen time, we should take a break and look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Doing this will help to reduce the strain on our eyes and keep them healthy.

Adjust Screen Settings

To preserve your eyesight and reduce strain, the brightness of the computer screen should be adjusted to match the lighting in your environment. Furthermore, increasing contrast on your display can improve readability and make it easier on your eyes while using digital devices. This will help keep your vision healthy while utilizing technology, whether it be for school or work.

Reduce Screen Glare

Digital devices often have an extended amount of glare, making it difficult to view the screen and its contents clearly. To reduce glare, a matte screen filter can be very helpful. Your local computer and cell phone store will likely have multiple options for you to choose from. But screen glare is not just a result of your device screen’s brightness. It can also be due to reflections from interior lights or sunshine coming through your windows. All of these issues combined can be damaging to your eyes if not taken into consideration.

Mind Your Posture

It is important to sit properly to ensure optimal comfort and help prevent straining. For this reason, it’s advisable to sit approximately 25 inches away from the computer screen when working. Also, don’t forget to adjust the angle of your monitor slightly downwards toward your eyes rather than looking straight at it or upwards.

Are you looking for more ways to avoid digital eye strain and keep your eyes healthy in the long run? Visit Cobb Corner Eye Care today in Stoughton, Massachusetts. Get in touch with us at (781) 344-3335 to schedule an appointment.