Submitted by todaylens2017 on
In this digital age, we are becoming more and more reliant on technology to go about our daily lives, and while this has led to fantastic advancements, it also means that we spend several hours a day exposed to screens. Long exposure to screens can lead to eye strain and nearsightedness, so it’s very important that you take measures to avoid any permanent eye damage. Here we’ve outlined a few ways you can protect yourself from eye strain and other problems.
Take Breaks
Working at a computer for more than 4 hours can lead to eye strain, so it’s very important that you take frequent breaks and focus on something other than a screen. Taking a break from your computer every 20 minutes is a great way to protect yourself. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAOO) recommends you use their “20-20-20 Rule”, where you take a break every 20 minutes to focus on an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This is a very easy way to protect your eyes from eye strain
Adjust your Display’s brightness and Colour
Staring at a bright, white computer screen is incredibly harmful to your eyes, but adjusting the brightness of your display is one of the easiest ways to reduce the strain on your eyes. In addition to lowering the brightness, you can also download apps or programs that reduce the amount of “blue light” your monitor produces, which makes it more like natural sunlight. This is especially helpful at night, because it will let your body adjust to the darkness and make it easier to fall asleep after a long session on the computer.
Get Regular Eye Exams
It is very important that you get at least one professional eye exam every year, so that you’re aware of any problems with your vision and how you can fix them. It’s also a good idea to tell your optometrist about how long you use a screen daily and how far it sits from your face, so that they can offer advice on how to protect your eyes from eye strain and other problems.
Take Care of your Eyes
This one would seem obvious, but most people do almost nothing to protect and care for their eyes. The best way to ensure your eyes are taken care of is to blink often, which will keep your eyes protected and lubricated. If you notice that your eyes are very red, or irritated, it's probably a good idea to pick up some artificial tears, not eyedrops, as medicated eye drops can inhibit the production of tears, as well as cause the blood vessels in your eyes to constrict, making your eyes even more red.
Your eyes are very important, especially when computers and phones play such an important role in today’s world, so you need to keep them in the best condition possible. Protecting your eyes from eye strain and nearsightedness will ensure that you can make the most of today’s technology.
